Section: Travellers and Gypsies
Report Tackles Inequalities for Gypsy and Traveller Communities
Communities Minister Andrew Stunell unveilled a new report that promotes fairness for Gypsy and Traveller communities.
The progress report is the product of the Ministerial working group on tackling inequalities experienced by Gypsies and Travellers. It contains 28 measures that aim to improve outcomes for Gypsies and Travellers across education, health, accommodation, employment and in the criminal justice system.
Commitments outlined in the report include:
- Piloting a 'virtual headteacher' who will champion the interests of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils across their local authority and respond to issues of low attainment and attendance.
- Promoting of improved health outcomes for Gypsies and Travellers within the proposed new structures of the NHS.
- Work to build on support for authorised sites that have the backing of the local community, through £60 million Traveller Pitch Funding and the New Homes Bonus to match monies raised through Council Tax. Both the settled and travelling communities will benefit from such an approach
- Improving knowledge of how Gypsies and Travellers engage with employment services
preventing hate crime, increasing reporting of incidents and challenging the attitudes that underpin it.
- Ensuring access to appropriate rehabilitation activities in prison and on probation.
