Smith, David Martin and Acton, Thomas (2017) The campaign for a National Strategy for Gypsy site provision and the role of Public Health activism in the 1960–1970s. Journal of Public Health Policy, 38 (4). pp. 429-444. ISSN 0197-5897 (Print), 1745-655X (Online) (doi:10.1057/s41271-017-0091-y)

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Abstract

We trace the post-war evolution of a national approach to providing caravan sites for Gypsies and Travellers—something essential to protect the health of that population in the United Kingdom (UK). Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the late Norman Dodds MP championed in Parliament the plight of the UK’s Gypsies and other nomads. He was instrumental in galvanising support for the 1968 Caravan Sites Act. The vision of influential individuals working in public and environmental health surmounted practical considerations and local opposition to implement the national programme of site provision envisioned by the Act. We detail this hitherto neglected aspect of Gypsy politics and policy development. In doing so, we highlight the transformative potential of public health and argue for a return to the comprehensive vision motivating these pioneers in the 1960s and 1970s.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Gypsies; Travellers; Norman Dodds MP; Caravan sites, Public health
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Human Sciences (HUM)
Last Modified:	13 Sep 2018 00:38
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/17640

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