Members of the Senedd have called on the Welsh government and local authorities to take ‘immediate action’ to provide adequate sites for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities who face widespread prejudice.
A new report by the Senedd’s Local Government and Housing Committee found that many sites are situated in inappropriate areas, such as at the side of dangerous roads or far away from services and amenities, with no facilities for children or the elderly.
The committee said that despite commitments made by the Welsh government to improve the situation, this has ‘not translated into any meaningful changes for families.’
Many Traveller sites are over-subscribed and, according to Gypsies and Travellers Wales, there are individuals who have been on the waiting list for a local authority plot for over 20 years.
In addition to this, the committee found that many plots are poorly maintained, with problems reported to councils taking a long time to repair.
The committee found that a lack of political will is a significant reason for the inadequate number of sites for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities in Wales. It also warned that ‘widespread racism and prejudice’ – including from councillors – was often a determining factor.
John Griffiths MS, chair of the Local Government and Housing Committee, said: ‘The situation facing Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities in Wales is very concerning and the committee is united on what the Welsh government and local authorities need to do next.
‘Many sites are in completely inappropriate areas next to A-roads with uneven paths and blocked drains. Some people are stuck on multiple year waiting lists with no end in sight.
‘The Welsh government must make sure that local authorities have the resources to tackle these issues, but they must also hold them to account when things do not improve. It is clear that anti-Traveller prejudice on a local level, and throughout society, is still quite prevalent and that tackling this should be a priority.
‘The committee is urging both the Welsh government and local authorities to act on our recommendations with urgency or members of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities will continue to be treated like second class citizens in Wales.’
