The Road Ahead

‘Travelling to a Better Future’ is the report published by the Welsh Government (WG) in September 2011 and described by them as “the first strategic national Gypsy and Traveller policy document developed in the UK” (p.6).

We are pleased that this framework starts with a clear statement of the WG’s equality and diversity values and principles, and that Gypsies and Travellers are seen as an integral part of the Welsh community, whose need and aspirations should be catered for. We are also pleased that this report has identified the issues that contribute to the vulnerability and exclusion of Gypsies and Travellers and the key policy areas that must be addressed to combat that vulnerability and exclusion. It is most unfortunate that the Westminster Government are not adopting a similar approach.

A group of organisations including TAT have joined together to present a response to this report and especially to look at what can be done to improve the situation for Gypsies and Travellers in Wales in terms of provision of accommodation. The response is entitled ‘The Road Ahead’.

We are delighted to announce that this response is being led by Julie Morgan, Member of the Welsh Assembly for Cardiff North. Many readers will remember Julie when she was an MP at Westminster and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Gypsy Roma Travellers. The launch of ‘The Road Ahead’ took place at the Welsh Assembly building in Cardiff on 20th March 2012.

Chris Johnson, Travellers Advice Team (TAT) at Community Law Partnership

TAT has a new national telephone helpline for Gypsies and Travellers in England and Wales on 0121 685 8677, Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm.