Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assistance they are making available to Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities during the period while national restrictions are in place to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

My Department has been supporting the co-ordination of cross Government work in response to the impact of Covid-19 on Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, to ensure their needs are reflected in response and recovery planning.

I recently wrote to?all local?authority Chief Executives about support some Gypsy and Traveller families may need during the national restrictions?to find?a?safe place to stop?and?access?basic?amenities, including water, sanitation and waste disposal facilities.

Government also published Covid-19?guidance?for people living?a?nomadic lifestyle on traveller sites, in vehicles and canal boats.

Whilst it is for local authorities to determine how best to support vulnerable groups, in line with their public health responsibilities, I intend to continue to work closely with them to ensure that Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities needs are met.