Gypsies and travellers

Gypsies and Irish travellers are identified as having distinct identity. They are therefore covered by the Race Relations Act 1976. This makes it illegal to discriminate against them in the provision of goods and services

All the evidence shows that Gypsies and Travellers are some of the most vulnerable and marginalised groups in Britain. ‘No Travellers’ signs in pubs and shops can still be seen today and local councils no longer have a legal duty to provide sites for gypsies and travellers to live. Instead huge sums are spent each year on evicting them. Health standards and achievement in school are both very low for both groups and they often face hostility from local residents and media scare stories which fuel prejudice and racism.

Gypsies and Irish Travellers are both legally recognised as distinct ethnic groups and have the protection of the law which comes from that. The Race Relations Act 1976 identifies each as having a shared culture, language and beliefs. ‘Gypsy’ is thought to derive from Egyptianwhich was mistakenly thought to be their identity by settled people. The Roma are recorded in Greece around 1000AD while Irish Travellers have been a distinct group since about 400AD.

It is estimated that there are about 200,000 - 300,000 Gypsies and Travellers living in the UK. The great majority live perfectly legally in trailers on local authority or privately owned sites. Nonetheless since the change in the law in 1994 local councils no longer have to provide official sites. This has meant an acute shortage of sites for trailers and as a result more unauthorised encampments. 90% of planning applications for Gypsy sites are rejected compared to an average overall of 20%. As a result some Gypsies and Travellers have set up sites before obtaining permission – or even applying for it – certain that they face rejection or hostility.

Historically Gypsies and Travellers were nomadic people but now 90% of Gypsies across the globe live in houses.

The Commission for Racial Equality produced a three year strategy for Gypsies and Travellers in 2004. This sets out the CRE’s view of how they intend to use their legal powers to eliminate longstanding discrimination and to promote good relations.
The Gypsy Council campaigns around a group of key issues: the lack of legal stopping places; inadequate and unhealthy official sites; racism and institutional harassment and poor health care.

Legislation

  Gypsy and Traveller Law is the first legal book to bring together the areas of law affecting the travelling community. It balances straightforward, practical advice with comprehensive coverage of the statutes, regulations, guidance, circulars and a rapidly developing body of case-law.

This is the key reference work for lawyers and advisers working with Gypsies and Travellers and an essential guide for local authorities on their duties to the travelling community and the social and legal implications of failure to fulfil these obligations. Gypsy and Traveller Law also aims to empower Gypsies and Travellers to secure their rights and challenge injustice.

Regional

For latest information in the South West go to our networks (age, disability, gender, race, faith and sexual orientation).