MSPs have given their support to proposals to improve the lives of Gypsy/Travellers in Scotland.
The Scottish Parliament unanimously welcomed a range of measures proposed by the Scottish Government and local government body Cosla, following a call to “take a united stand against unacceptable levels of prejudice and discrimination”.
With members of the community watching from the public gallery, Equalities Minister Christina McKelvie set out plans to tackle key issues raised by Gypsy/Traveller groups across Scotland, including access to healthcare and the “horrific” abuse and racism they often face.
McKelvie said accommodation was the “pivotal” concern and pledged up to £2 million for councils to improve areas where Gypsy/Travellers are living. She said: “We will make a one-off investment of up to £2 million to improve existing public sites, take direct action to improve provision in the short term.
“Council leaders have pledged to work with the community to agree what the money should be spent on and – the vital part of this – the Gypsy/Traveller communities themselves will know best what their communities need.”
These communities would be “fully involved” in the decision of how to spend the money, McKelvie added.
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Other areas addressed in the joint action plan are ways to improve access to public services, increase incomes – both in and out of work – and measures to tackle the abuse faced.
McKelvie said: “As we know from all the available evidence, our Gypsy/Traveller communities continue to experience poorer outcomes in terms of living standards, education, health and employment, and often face extreme and persistent stereotyping and hostility as they go about their daily lives. The action plan recognises these injustices and the need for urgent action to improve the lives of Gypsy/Travellers.”
McKelvie was also scathing about the UK Government’s consultation on increasing police powers to deal with Gypsy/Traveller communities, which she said was “effectively criminalising their traditional way of life”.
“We should all be shocked and angered by this”, she added.
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