COSLA and the Scottish Government have developed a joint framework to help Local Authorities offer support to the Gypsy/Traveller community during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The guidance is aimed at supporting those who are living on public and private sites, as well as in roadside encampments.

The Gypsy/Traveller community are identified as facing additional risks and vulnerabilities during the crisis, including being more likely to have pre-existing health conditions and being at increased risk of poverty.

Councillor Elena Whitham, Community Wellbeing Spokesperson for COSLA, said: “In considering the specific needs of our Gypsy/Traveller communities, COSLA has been working with the Scottish Government, health services, Police Scotland and other third sector partners on supporting an ongoing response to coronavirus.

“Positive partnership working has enabled an informative flow of the fast-paced changes surrounding coronavirus and for the provision of culturally-appropriate responses to be put in place.

“The joint COSLA and Scottish Government Gypsy/Traveller Framework has proved to be a useful resource in shaping informed service delivery with Local Authorities taking steps to minimise the impacts and risks of COVID-19 on the Gypsy/Traveller community.”

Download the full document here:  PDF, 788.24 KB.