Providing Accommodation for Gypsies and Travellers in Leicestershire: A Financial Analysis

Previous research has identified the costs of unauthorised Gypsy and Traveller sites and the possibility of generating income through provision of authorised sites. This research builds on these previous studies and broadly supports their findings.

Evidence from this research indicated that local authorities in Leicestershire spend at least £200,000 per year dealing with unauthorised sites. Local authority run authorised sites in the county cover costs or generate a small amount of income. Both council and private run sites in the county generate council tax receipts for the authorities of up to £125,000 per year.

The evidence from this research suggests that providing the accommodation outlined in the local Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment would produce a significant financial benefit to local authorities.

We have also produced a Key Findings summary of this report.