Draft guidance for designing Gypsy and Traveller sites - Chapter 8: consultation and engagement with stakeholders

The chapter outlines the community benefits and positive impact relationship building can have when working with and understanding the needs of Gypsy and Traveller communities.

Local authorities should, where possible, take into consideration the wishes of Gypsies and Travellers when designing a new local authority site, paying particular regard to the need to provide accommodation suitable to support their traditional way of life. If local authorities are proposing improvements to existing sites, local authorities are under a statutory duty to consult directly with residents of the site under the Mobile Homes (Wales) Act 2013. Evidence of the consultation process carried out should be kept and shared with Welsh Government as and when requested.

Where a new site is intended for use by a mix of Gypsy and Traveller communities (for example, Romani and Irish Traveller) it would be helpful for the local authority to seek the views of each of the different communities before deciding how to proceed.

Local authorities are also advised to consult with the Welsh Government at an early stage if they intend to apply for Sites Capital Grant funding. This will ensure that site proposals will meet eligibility criteria.