To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report by the National Federation of Gypsy Liaison Groups Moving for Change: local authority approaches to roadside camps in a time of COVID-19, published on 4 February, in particular its finding that there was a 333 per cent increase in evictions from roadside camps in the 45 days following the Government guidance issued on 10 May 2020 to "stay alert"; what steps they are taking to ensure that local authorities are protecting Gypsies, Travellers, Roma and others at risk of roadside eviction during the COVID-19 pandemic; and what discussions they intend to have with local authorities about the use of negotiated settlements in place of evictions of such groups.
Answered on
15 February 2021
The Government is supporting people across the country respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, including those in the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.
I have met with the National Federation of Gypsy Liaison Groups to discuss the impact of the pandemic and the Government has provided guidance to all local authority Chief Executives about the support some Gypsy and Traveller families may need during the national restrictions to find a safe place to stop and access basic amenities, including water, sanitation and waste disposal facilities.
Whilst it is for local authorities to determine how best to support vulnerable groups, in line with their public health responsibilities, the Government will continue to work closely with them to ensure that Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities’ needs are met.