Gypsy and Traveller caravan count

The Gypsy and Traveller caravan count statistical release has been paused following the January 2025 publication. We have paused updates to this series to review the caravan count data collection process over 2025. As part of this review, we will consider improvements to help ensure that future statistical releases accurately reflect current accommodation for Gypsy and Traveller communities in Wales.

The next data collection will provisionally occur in January 2026 following the completion of this review. If you are a user of the Gypsy and Traveller caravan count and wish to provide feedback on this publication, please contact EqualityEvidenceUnit@gov.wales.

This review of data collection coincides with the public consultation on four Welsh Government Guidance documents, one of which is ‘Undertaking a Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment’, to be published in the summer months. A Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA) is a statutory requirement under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 for local authorities to assess the accommodation needs of Gypsy and Traveller communities, which must be conducted every five years. The revised caravan count guidance can form part of the primary data captured to assist the Cycle 3 GTAA, which is to be submitted to Welsh Government by 24 February 2027.

The count is used when assessing bids from local authorities for the Gypsy and Traveller sites capital grant. The commencement of section 101 of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 also requires local authorities to carry out an assessment of the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers residing in or resorting to their area.