Travellers

About our Traveller Community Strategy

We have undertaken a comprehensive strategic needs assessment of current and projected accommodation requirements of all Travellers in consultation with Traveller organisations, members of Traveller communities and district councils.

In 2005 we published an evaluation of Traveller Grouped Housing.

We have developed a five year rolling programme of schemes to address the accommodation needs of Travellers, prioritising those in greatest need.

Results of the consultation

A consultation was set in place for each proposed scheme, irrespective of location, with those Travellers who are to be accommodated in that scheme and the local community. We agreed the following:

  • That we will continue to liaise with Traveller organisations, members of the Traveller communities, district councils and statutory and voluntary organisations in relation to future schemes and policy issues

  • That any tenancy/licence arrangement created should cater for those Travellers who wish to adhere to a nomadic lifestyle.

  • That an evaluation of the 4 group housing schemes is carried out by us, within agreed timescales, to determine best practice in respect of the delivery of future schemes.

  • Given the racial intimidation and harassment findings in this survey, it is recommended that all public bodies which interface with the Traveller Community should take account of these findings when providing staff guidance and in the delivery of other staff equality training programmes, as per recommendation 4 of the Promoting Social Inclusion Working Group Report on Travellers.

  • The Office of the First Minister/Deputy First Minister will give consideration to the findings in the Report in relation to the drafting of future services for Travellers.

  • In partnership with the voluntary sector, we will take the lead role in activating the co-operation policy when necessary and approach Government Departments and statutory agencies regarding the use of their land for co-operated sites.

  • When planning future accommodation, we will take into consideration the predominantly young population within the Traveller community and the implications this will have on future demand.