New cash for sites

Local councils and housing associations wanting to provide social rented sites for Gypsies and Travellers, New Age Travellers and Travelling Show People can now bid for a share of £32million funding from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

The national housing and regeneration agency has opened the bidding round for the Gypsy and Traveller Site Grant 2010/2011 and will publish new guidance at www.homesandcommunities.co.uk/gypsies_travellers to help bidders apply for funding.  

Although the funding is only available to councils and housing associations, Gypsies and Travellers may want to contact local organisations that can provide accommodation to remind them that 100% grants are still available for new Gypsy and Traveller sites.

 Robert Napier, chairman of the Homes and Communities Agency said: “Helping to ensure that more people have a roof over their heads is a commitment the agency takes very seriously. This bidding round will see more of the Gypsy and Traveller population housed in decent accommodation on authorised sites with access to amenities and facilities, leading to an enhanced quality of life.”

The results of the 2009/2010 allocations for new sites have now been made and details can be found on the HCA website at www.homesandcommunities.co.uk/gypsies_travellers.  

The closing date for the 2010/2011 bidding round is 4pm on 30 April 2010.

For more information visit homesandcommunities.co.uk