Government allocates £10 million to enhance Traveller accommodation facilities for local councils
In a bid to address the ongoing issues faced by Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities, the UK Government has distributed £10 million of funding to nine councils in England for the upgrading of Traveller sites. The funding, part of the Levelling Up agenda, aims to improve opportunities for these communities across the country. Dehenna Davison, Minister for Levelling Up, stated that the funding is aimed at improving Travellers' life chances and building cohesion between settled and Traveller communities. One of the recipients of this funding is Preston City Council, which will be using the £337,220 grant for the refurbishment and improvement of the Leighton Street Traveller site. The upgrade of electrical equipment at this site will give residents greater control over their energy bills and running costs. Councils are also using the funding to refurbish existing transit and permanent sites to improve living conditions for residents. This investment is expected to help councils reduce the number of unauthorized encampments in England, as it provides authorized places to stay and better access to facilities and services like healthcare. However, the funding comes amidst criticism from these communities over recent legal crackdowns. Previously, such camps were considered a civil matter, rather than a criminal one. Last year, laws were introduced that made it a criminal offence to set up camp illegally on other people's land or in local communities, with jail sentences of up to three months. Despite this, the government maintains that the funding is aimed at providing legal sites for Travellers, addressing the national shortage. Many councils are reluctant to provide legal sites, leading to a situation where these communities often resort to unauthorized encampments. The funding can also help councils and local police redirect Travellers from unauthorized sites, reducing enforcement costs. Furthermore, it can help councils improve community cohesion between the settled community and Travellers. It is worth noting that Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities are among the most deprived in the country. They have the lowest attainment in compulsory schooling and a life expectancy that is between ten and 25 years shorter than the general population. The £10 million Traveller Site Fund was allocated by the UK Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government between 2020 and 2022. Besides Preston, sites in places like Kent, Lancaster, Cornwall, Swindon, and other areas such as Leeds, Liverpool, and Derby have also received funding. The government's initiative is a step towards addressing the long-standing issues faced by these communities, offering a glimmer of hope for improved living conditions and greater integration into the broader society.
