Accommodating nomadism? An examination of accommodation options for gypsies and travellers in England

Abstract

The policy approach towards Gypsy and Traveller accommodation in England is currently being reviewed. In this context, the paper explores issues around accommodating nomadism. Drawing primarily on the findings of research carried out by the author on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, it establishes that a number of Gypsies/Travellers actively pursue a traditional travelling lifestyle. Culturally‐specific accommodation, mainly in the form of residential Gypsy sites, is inadequate to accommodate the desired amount of movement without unauthorised encampments. Unauthorised encampments fail to provide adequate standards for Gypsies/Travellers, tend to perpetuate their social exclusion and lead to friction with the settled community. A network of transit sites and stopping places is needed to accommodate travelling. The main barrier to provision is the planning system and, more fundamentally, resistance from the settled population to the idea of new sites for Gypsies and Travellers. The nature of nomadism itself also makes its accommodation difficult, especially in a society where settled ‘sedentarist’ interests are paramount and other lifestyles may be viewed as deviant. Several proposals are made which might assist policy making.