URL: https://scambs.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=12923

Decision Maker: Lead Cabinet member for Housing

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The purpose of this decision is for the Lead Member for Housing to approve the consultation response relating to the proposed changes to the Traveller Caravan Count Statistics.   Details   This consultation seeks feedback on proposed changes to the collection and publication of data relating to Gypsy, Traveller, and Travelling Showpeople communities. The key proposals include reducing the caravan count frequency from bi-annual to annual to ease administrative burden, determining whether to retain summer or winter counts, and discontinuing site-level data collection for socially rented sites and information on site opening or refurbishment dates. Additionally, it suggests moving questions on new affordable residential pitches to the Local Authority Housing Statistics (LAHS) dataset for better integration. While most proposals are supported, there is a preference for continuing the annual collection of Travelling Showpeople data, as it provides useful information for monitoring and contributes to a national overview of provision.   Overall the proposed changes will not adversely impact the Council and will help to reduce the administrative burden of a bi-annual count.

Content: The purpose of this decision is for the Lead Member for Housing to approve the consultation response relating to the proposed changes to the Traveller Caravan Count Statistics.   Details   This consultation seeks feedback on proposed changes to the collection and publication of data relating to Gypsy, Traveller, and Travelling Showpeople communities. The key proposals include reducing the caravan count frequency from bi-annual to annual to ease administrative burden, determining whether to retain summer or winter counts, and discontinuing site-level data collection for socially rented sites and information on site opening or refurbishment dates. Additionally, it suggests moving questions on new affordable residential pitches to the Local Authority Housing Statistics (LAHS) dataset for better integration. While most proposals are supported, there is a preference for continuing the annual collection of Travelling Showpeople data, as it provides useful information for monitoring and contributes to a national overview of provision.   Overall the proposed changes will not adversely impact the Council and will help to reduce the administrative burden of a bi-annual count. To approve the Council’s response to the consultation, as set out at Appendix A. Approving this response ensures that the Council’s position on proposed changes to the Gypsy, Traveller, and Travelling Showpeople data collection is clearly represented. The response reflects a balanced approach; supporting measures that reduce administrative burden and improve data integration, while highlighting areas where continued data collection remains valuable for monitoring and planning. Option 1: Choose not to submit a formal response to the Government’s proposals. Reason for Rejection: It is important that the Council has the opportunity to share its views, whether concerns or support, regarding the proposed changes.

Date of Decision: December 22, 2025