Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessments (GTANA)

What is it?

• A Gypsy and Traveller Needs Assessment is a study done by the local council.
• It finds out what the housing needs of Gypsies and Travellers are in the area.

The council will talk to

• Social housing providers.
• Representatives of Gypsies and Travellers communities.
• Landowners in the area.

Why are they important?

• Your council needs to know if more sites are needed for in your area.
• It is important for you to take part in this process so they understand this need.
• As the Oak Project has highlighted, there is a huge lack of sites available.

What to expect?

• The council will hire consultants to do the assessment.
• You will probably be asked to fill out a questionnaire.
• How you answer these questions is very important:
  • Because it will show many pitches are needed.

Advice for taking part

• Please read our information leaflet here.
• It will help you understand how to fill out the questionnaire.

What if I live in a house?

• Even if you live in a house, the council might still want to hear from you.
• Many Travellers live in houses because they have no other choice.
  • But they of course may prefer to live a nomadic life.

New definition:

Persons of nomadic habit of life whatever their race or origin, including such persons who on grounds only of their own or their family’s or dependants’ educational or health needs or old age have ceased to travel temporarily or permanently, but excluding members of an organised group of travelling showpeople or circus people travelling together as such.

What does this mean?

• This change in definition means that Travellers also include those who have stopped travelling permanently and are living in bricks and mortar.
• As local councils are obliged to collect and record plot needs for Travellers, this means they must include all Travellers that fit the above definition in their PPTS. As a result, there will likely be more evidence of greater need for plots. 
• The GTANAs will involve assessing the accommodation needs of a larger amount of Travellers.
• The planning changes also include the introduction of the 'grey belt', which allows for some planning permission in the green belt for Travellers.
  • See our page 'Buying Land and Applying for Planning Permission' for more information.