South Hams District Council has a comparatively low Gypsy/Traveller community compared to counties such as Essex or Sussex. Though from time to time Gypsy/Travellers will pass through or stay in our area for a period of time.

Under the Housing Act 2004 local authorities need to assess the needs of gypsies or travellers that already live in the area or may come  to it. All the Local Authorities in Devon worked together to produce a report about the housing needs as well as more indepth information. Below is a copy of the report.

Gypsy and Traveller Housing Needs Strategy

• Devon wide Gypsy and Traveller Housing Needs Assessment - Final Report

If you have any questions regarding this report please contact Paul Eells or Liam Reading.

South Hams Policy on Gypsy and Traveller encampments.

In line with the guidance from central Government and the approach by Devon County Council the South Hams District Council is required to adopt a “tolerant” approach when dealing with unauthorised encampments. What this means, is that unless there are proven problems, based on the criteria from the guidance, the Local Authority will not necessarily evict the Gypsies/Travellers immediately as they may be welfare needs, e.g. Doctors appointments or children in school.

Policy on Gyspy and Traveller encampments in the South Hams.

If you wish to report an encampment please contact either Devon County Council or South Hams District Council.

Useful Contacts:	Telephone/Fax Number - Email Address Web Address
Sabrina Thomas Gypsy Liaison Officer, Devon County Council County Hall Exeter Devon EX2 4QD	Tel: 01392 383444/383206 Email: sthomas@devon.gov.uk
How to find your local MP House of Commons Information Office House of Commons Westminster London, SW1A 0AA	Tel: 020 7219 4272 Fax: 020 7219 5839 Email: hcinfo@parliament.uk Website: Constituency Locata
Education/Training
DCTES (Devon Consortium Traveller Education Service) Redworth House, Ashburton Road, Totnes, TQ9 5JZ	Tel: 01392 386811 Email: awalker@devon.gov.uk
Connexions Information and Advice Centre 236 Union Street, Torre, Torquay TQ2 5QS	Tel: 01803 200202
10/12 Union Street , Plymouth, Devon PL1 2SR	Tel: 01752 207700
Bridge House , Sherborne Road, Newton Abbot Devon TQ12 2QX	Tel: 01626 367579
Health	NHS Direct Tel: 0845 4647
Crime	Tel: 08705 777444
South West Racial Equality Council	Devon and Exeter REC Tel: 01392 422566 Plymouth and District REC Tel: 01752 312640
Equality South West	Website
Traveller Advice Team Ruskin Chambers, 191 Corporation Street, Brimingham, B4 6RP Open Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00 - 13:00 and 14:00-17:00	Tel: 0845 120 2980 Emergency Mobile: 07768316755