At the time of writing, Bristol City Council are holding a consultation relating to vehicle dwelling. This has been a high-profile conversation in the city, in the media and in some communities. We’re encouraging people to engage in the consultation, but it’s important to do so in an informed and balanced way. Only a minority of those who have engaged in the consultation are like to have direct experience of living in a vehicle.

Seeing the bigger picture

It's important to consider the context when thinking about this. In Bristol, we have seen rising rents which have outpaced many people’s ability to afford them. With demand outstripping supply, it has also created a competitive environment, which can be a disadvantage to some groups. This can be more so the case for younger people, and those on lower or limited incomes. Add to this the national picture of the drastic reduction in the availability of social homes since the introduction of Right to Buy into the 1980 Housing Act. We are now experiencing the consequences of decades of depletion, and the ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

Home as foundation

We all need somewhere to live. At Caring in Bristol, we consider a home to be a fundamental human right, and the foundation for the rest of our lives. With aggressive rent inflation, and limited housing options to choose from, people are searching for alternative ways of living. At the sharp end of this, living in a vehicle is an alternative to immediate homelessness, and rough sleeping. For some others, a vehicle-based home is an intentional choice. This may be through preference, or for cultural reasons.

Support needed

Everyone deserves to have the support they need to sustain their housing, whatever form that might take. Many people who have a vehicle-based home would like more support from the council; the consultation is an opportunity for them to communicate this need. Currently, there is a lack of “meanwhile sites.” This the term given to designated locations where vehicles can be stationed. There is an urgent need for water, waste collection, and shower facilities. There is currently limited access to these basic facilities, and some strategic thinking is required on how these can be provided, and part of building capacity into an already-stretched system.

We asked someone who lives in a vehicle for their perspective. They told us, “I work full-time, I volunteer with local organisations and I contribute to the community. Yet, sometimes I'm treated like a second-class citizen by a lot of people. I receive hatred for my way of life, despite being forced into it - I can't afford a room in Bristol anymore. Living in a vehicle was my answer to the huge increase in rent prices in recent years.”

People and community

Vital in all of this is remembering that this consultation is about people who are a part of the wider Bristol community. If we are striving to be an inclusive city that leaves no person behind, we need to think about the needs of everyone. People living in vehicles are currently experiencing increased prejudice, hostility, and stigma – particularly when conversations about them are not held with them. This can lead to being a very isolating experience. That’s why person-centred solutions are needed…

Bristol City Council says: "People in Bristol are being asked for their views on how we should work with people living in vehicles across the city. A new policy is being developed which aims to balance offering help and advice to vehicle dwellers, alongside considering the needs of the local community. It will also look to refresh the way we respond to people living in vehicles, providing a clearer process and explanation for when action will be taken. As part of this process, the council has launched a consultation and want to hear from everyone affected by these issues – including vehicle dwellers and members of the local communities who live around groups of lived in vehicles.

"The policy, which will guide the council’s actions moving forward, is based on the principles of inclusion, support, fair and consistent enforcement and providing safer
alternative places for vehicle dwellers to live. There has been a significant increase in the number of people living in vehicles across Bristol. Since 2019 the figure had risen by more than 300% to a peak of around 680 vehicles. The latest count revealed a slight drop in numbers with 614 vehicles recorded.

"The survey will be open until midnight on Thursday 23 October. To find out more and to give your views please visit www.bristol.gov.uk/vehicle-dwellerspolicy [BCC website] You can request a paper copy, alternative format or translated version of the survey by contacting the Gypsy Roma Traveller team by email at [email protected] or by phone on 0117 9223921. Feedback from the consultation will be used to inform the final policy, which will be taken to Homes and Housing Delivery Committee on Friday 19 December."