We have specialist in-house staff to help advise local authorities about providing services for the travelling community. As well as offering this consultancy nationally, we also offer a complete service for the management of authorised traveller sites owned by individual Councils.
Currently we manage five traveller sites for Norfolk County Council. They provide accommodation in a safe, managed environment for over 100 families. We are striving to improve the lives of those in the travelling community by easing access to health services, education, and adult literacy classes. This helps to provide stability for both the residents and the Council. Our services include:
- Day to day management of sites, either directly or working with a nominated manager from among the residents
- Rent collection and financial management
- Managing site property maintenance and repair within the Council's budget
- Establishing and enforcing rules for occupancy of sites, including proceedings for possession or eviction when necessary
- Ensuring that Council-owned land is not used for unauthorised encampments
- Liaison with, and if necessary managing, unauthorised encampments on private land near to authorised sites
- Managing the refurbishment of utility buildings, infrastructure, and mechanical & electrical services on traveller sites. This includes full site refurbishment, kitchen extensions, window renewals, the installation of sewage treatment works, and overhaul of surface water drainage systems.
- Bidding for central government funding for improvement projects
- Providing planning consultancy for traveller sites
What sets NPS Group apart is our understanding of the cultures of travelling people, including English Romani, Irish Travellers, and New Age Travellers. Our specialist staff have a working knowledge of the Anglo-Romani language, and they maintain a trusting relationship with leading members of the travelling community. They are also members of the National Association of Gypsy and Traveller Officers (NAGTO).
In particular, our insight enables us to advise Councils about the circumstances under which different traveller groups will mix harmoniously.