New national strategy to tackle Gypsy, Roma and Traveller inequalities

Communities Minister, Lord Bourne, has launched a new national strategy to tackle entrenched inequality and improve the lives of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.

MHCLG is to lead the national strategy, working with several government departments and the Cabinet Office Race Disparity Unit to improve outcomes in areas including health, education and employment.

The announcement comes as communities across the country celebrate the start of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month and will build on the government’s ongoing work to support Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.

In order to address the serious disparities highlighted by the Race Disparity Audit, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has provided £200,000 of funding between six projects aiming to improve outcomes for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities in the areas of educational attainment, health and social integration.

The department has also funded 22 projects which support Roma communities across England through the Controlling Migration Fund.

In addition, the department has provided funding to two projects to improve the reporting of hate crime by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. For more information, and to read the new strategy, visit www.gov.uk