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A big or divided society? Final report of the panel review into the impact of the Localism Bill and Coalition government policy on Gypsies and Travellers

A big or divided society? Final report of the panel review into the impact of the Localism Bill and Coalition government policy on Gypsies and Travellers

Ryder, A., Acton, T., Alexander, S., Cemlyn, S., Van Cleemput, P., Greenfields, M., Richardson, J. and Smith, D. (2011) A big or divided society? Final report of the panel review into the impact of the Localism Bill and Coalition government policy on Gypsies and Travellers. Project Report. Travellers Aid Trust, Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, Wales, UK.

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Abstract

Since the first piece of legislation was passed against 'Egyptians‘ (Romany Gypsies) by Henry VIII in the 1500‘s, Gypsies and other Travellers have had a complex and
difficult relationship with the state. For the last five centuries a seemingly unending list of laws have been drawn up to ban, restrict and criminalize them for their way of
life, with apparently little recourse to the more universal laws that are supposed to ensure equality and dignity to all. Despite this, they have thrived amongst us, enriching our culture and society through their resilience, tenacity and humor in the face of adversity and exclusion. Perhaps most striking of all is their continued courage and strength against the unrelenting machinery of state in standing up for what they believe in. Once again, Gypsy Roma Traveller face new changes in the law that will affect them directly, forcing them to engage yet again in a campaign to ensure their basic rights are protected.

The Travellers Aid Trust has actively supported Traveller law reform for many years. In light of the proposed policy changes being put forward by the new Coalition government and their potential impact on the Gypsy Roma Traveller community, the Trust welcomed the opportunity to facilitate a Panel Review. The Panel has provided a platform that has brought together a wide range of stakeholders enabling them to share their wealth of knowledge and experience in this area. The following Report and recommendations are the result of the time and energy of many and varied people from a range of backgrounds and professions as well as the poignant testimony of Gypsies and Travellers themselves. In compiling and publishing this Report, the Trust hopes to facilitate a better understanding of the implications and intricacies of the proposed policies to those vested with the power to affect changes that will impact directly on the wellbeing of those for whom they are responsible.

Susan Alexander - Trust Administrator

Item Type: Monograph (Project Report)
Uncontrolled Keywords: Gypsies and Travellers, accommodation, Coalition government, Localism Bill
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races
J Political Science > JS Local government Municipal government
Pre-2014 Departments: School of Health & Social Care
Related URLs:
Last Modified: 14 Oct 2016 09:22
URI: http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/8810

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