Ministers unveil plans to tackle inequalities faced by Gypsies and Travellers

A ministerial working group has set out 28 Government commitments as part of efforts to tackle inequalities and promote fairness for Gypsy and Traveller communities.

The proposals include help for Gypsy and Traveller representative groups to showcase small private sites that are well presented and maintained.

A case study document is also be produced for use by local authorities and councillors, potential site residents and the general public. The document could also be adapted and used in connection with planning applications, the working group said.

Other proposals in the report include:

  • The highlighting of Gypsy, Roma and Traveler pupils as a vulnerable group in the revised Ofsted framework;
  • Piloting a ‘Virtual Head Teacher’ for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils in a small number of local authorities. This individual will champion their interests and monitor and respond to issues of low attainment and attendance;
  • Looking again at the impact of legislation that under certain circumstances protects mobile Gypsy, Roma and Traveller families from prosecution for their children’s non-attendance at school. This is to be done in parallel with a review of statutory guidance;
  • In response to the “unacceptably high" levels of exclusion among Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pubils, taking steps to asses the impact of school-based commissioning, alternative provision and early intervention on the most vulnerable pupil groups;
  • The Department of Health working with the National Inclusion Health Board, the NHS, local government and others to identify what must be done to include the needs of Gypsies and Travellers in the commissioning of health services;
  • Exploring how health and wellbeing boards can be supported to ensure that the needs of Gypsies and Travellers with the worst health outcomes are better reflected in Joint Strategic Needs Assessments and joint health and wellbeing strategies;
  • The Government promoting improved health outcomes for Travellers through the planning system;
  • A refreshed Hate Crime Manual – published by the Association of Chief Police Officers – that will include specific guidance for police officers on working effectively with Gypsy and Traveller communities;
  • Monitoring the population of Gypsies and Travellers in prison and under probation supervision, to ensure access to activities is appropriate and meets the needs of Gypsies and Travellers through their rehabilitation;
  • Revised equalities training for new entrant prison officers;
  • Personalised support to Gypsies and Travellers via the Work Programme and where needed, Gypsies and Travellers will have access to appropriate skills and support.

The Ministerial working group was set up because of the outcomes experienced by Gypsies and Travellers, such as below average educational attainment, above average rates of miscarriage, still births and neo-natal deaths, and widespread discrimination and hostility.

Communities Minister Andrew Stunell said: "Fairness is one of the key values of the Government and this means everyone having the chance to do well irrespective of their background or their beginnings.

"This report sets out how work across key Government departments will help tackle inequalities faced by Gypsies and Travellers and help improve the lives of those communities to the benefit of all."

The full report can be viewed here.