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Gypsy and Traveller equalities consultation launched

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Issued by City of York Council

City of York Council has launched a series of city-wide consultations with Gypsy and Traveller communities, professional partners and the public, to inform work to improve opportunities and outcomes for this significant and distinct ethnic group.

Using evidence from the Equality and Human Rights Commission report 2009, in addition to the findings of the council-driven Fairness Commission, the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and its Health and Wellbeing Strategy, the council has carried out research with members of the Gypsy and Traveller community, the wider community and professionals across a range of statutory and voluntary organisations.

The research indicates the community’s most pressing needs are to improve:

  • educational outcomes of Gypsy Roma and Traveller children and young people
  • the health and wellbeing of Gypsies and Travellers
  • the standards and supply of accommodation
  • the Policing and the Criminal Justice System
  • access to employment and financial inclusion services
  • the development of partnerships and customer-focussed services.

The statutory consultation will seek to confirm these priorities and ask how best to address them in the light of the council’s recently-launched Equality Scheme.

Councillor Tracey Simpson-Laing, City of York Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Care said: “Working in partnership with all agencies and communities will help us improve lifelong outcomes and opportunities for York’s Gypsies and Travellers using a co-ordinated approach.

“This next stage of consultation from December 2012 and January 2013 will ensure all interested parties have an opportunity to share their views – and I urge everyone to contribute constructively.”

To participate, please go to the online consultation for Gypsies, Travellers and the wider public and respond before 11 January 2013.

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