THE Scottish Government has announced a new £20 million fund for local authorities to establish model sites for Gypsy/Traveller communities.
Councils can apply to the new fund to help build experience and skills in Gypsy/Traveller site development by focusing on demonstration projects which establish more and better accommodation for these communities and examples of model sites.
The new fund builds on funding from last year that provided immediate improvements to all current sites.
Improving accommodation and sites for these communities is a key part of Scotland's first long-term housing strategy as well as the Scottish Government and Cosla's (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) joint Gypsy/Traveller Action Plan.
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Equalities Minister Christina McKelvie (above) said: “It is vital that we improve the accommodation and sites for the Gypsy/Traveller community. This £20m funding will be focused initially on the development of demonstration projects to establish model sites, and builds on £2m funding provided in 2020-21 for immediate improvements to all sites.
“We are working in partnership with members of the Gypsy/Traveller community and local authorities to develop a design guide for sites. It will set the standard for new accommodation and ensure our Housing 2040 principles, such as accessibility and energy efficiency, are factored into planning.”
Councillor Kelly Parry, Cosla’s community wellbeing spokesperson, said: “The creation of a new funding programme over the next five years for Gypsy/Traveller accommodation is a fantastic step forward for our communities. This money will help to build homes that are fit for the future and is going to show what is possible in the design of modern sites.
“Combined with local investment from councils, the fund will make a meaningful difference to the quality of accommodation that is available and the initial projects will blaze the trail for more developments over time.”
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