Old York, Old Problems

Members of the York Travellers Trust take part in the Race for Life

A new report has found that York's oldest ethnic minority are suffering as a result of poorer housing, educational opportunities and health services.  New research published last week shows that Gypsies and Travellers, who have lived in and around York for centuries, still have less access to universal services like health, education and suitable accommodation than other residents.

Many of York's resident Gypsies and Travellers feel marginalised and excluded from a society in which they have lived and worked all their lives. The findings follow a major study carried out for York Travellers Trust and funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

Download Executive Summary [pdf 131kb]

Download Full Report [pdf 1.68mb]

 The study found that:

Gypsy and Traveller children are more likely to be excluded from school, leave with lower qualifications and are generally less likely to enter permanent employment.

Residents on York's three Traveller sites suffer from frequent flooding, lack of play space, lack of privacy and overcrowding

• Gypsies and Travellers who are housed feel isolated from their families, suffer racism and are not getting enough support from public agencies
• There’s a breakdown of trust between Gypsies and Travellers and the police which means that safety and security on sites could be compromised
• Many Gypsies and Travellers face major health problems but find it difficult to access adequate health care and advice

The report also found that York Travellers Trust, which says it is the sole agency working specifically with Gypsies and Travellers on a range of problems, is too small and underfunded to deal with the numbers and severity of the caseload it has to deal with. It also reveals that other local authorities, in Yorkshire and elsewhere have made major improvements for travellers with a small investment of public funds.

The report, after extensive consultation with travellers themselves, makes a number of recommendations. It suggests

• More Traveller sites and access to housing for those who need it. This would include access to sites on private land, and homes provided by the city council and housing associations. Support for new tenants is also essential
• Major improvements to existing sites to include better drainage, play areas and increased privacy
• PCT and North Yorkshire Police to review their Race Equality policies to ensure that the needs of Travellers are clearly established and acted on. Cultural awareness training for police.
• Public agencies to support York Travellers Trust in celebrating Gypsy Traveller culture
• A package of improvements in education provision for Gypsy Traveller children, including homework clubs, parental reading schemes and vocational and training projects for young adults
• Long term, sustainable funding for York Travellers Trust (YTT). This would allow YTT to provide a comprehensive service for the York Gypsy and Traveller Community – on a par with other ethnic minority groups.

YTT chair Barbara Windle, commenting on the report, said

"This is probably the most comprehensive report ever carried out on York’s travelling community. It shows that despite having a local tradition in the area, which goes back for generations, travellers feel excluded from the services which other residents enjoy. It’s time to put that right and ensure that travellers have a fair crack of the whip in York."