Local authorities receive £10 million funding to enhance accommodations for Traveller communities
In a significant move towards improving living conditions and reducing social exclusion, the UK government has distributed £10 million of funding to nine councils in England for upgrading Traveller sites. This initiative is part of the Levelling Up agenda, aiming to improve opportunities for communities across the country.
The funding, provided by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), is intended to modernize Traveller sites in England and improve access to health and education. One of the recipients of this funding is Preston City Council, which has been awarded £337,220 for refurbishment and improvement, including the upgrade of electrical equipment at the Leighton Street Traveller site.
The upgraded electrical equipment aims to provide residents with greater control over their energy bills and running costs of the site. Leader of Preston City Council, Matthew Brown, expressed delight at receiving the funding, stating it provides residents with better energy access, control, and potential savings on energy bills.
Improvements underway at various Traveller sites include rebuilding, new infrastructure, stabling for horses, improved utilities, and play areas for children. These changes are expected to help reduce the number of unauthorized encampments in England, leading to cost savings for councils and assisting local police in redirecting Travellers from unauthorized sites.
Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities are among the most deprived in the country, with a life expectancy ten to 25 years shorter than the general population. The new funding is intended to improve legal transit sites, providing authorised places to stay and better access to facilities and services such as healthcare.
Dehenna Davison, Minister for Levelling Up, stated that the funding is intended to improve Travellers' life chances and build cohesion between settled and traveller communities. Councils are also using the funding to refurbish existing transit and permanent sites to help improve living conditions for residents.
However, the government has faced criticism from these communities over recent legal crackdowns. Many councils are reluctant to provide legal sites for Travellers, leading to a national shortage. Last year, laws were introduced making it a criminal offence to set up camp illegally, with jail sentences of up to three months.
Despite these challenges, the refurbishment and improvement of existing Traveller sites, like Preston's Leighton Street site, are intended to help improve living conditions for residents and contribute to a more cohesive society. The lowest attainment in compulsory schooling is among all ethnic groups, and improving access to education is a crucial aspect of this initiative.
This investment in sites can help address some of the issues faced by Traveller communities, including social exclusion and health disparities. By providing better living conditions and access to essential services, the government hopes to improve the life chances of Travellers and foster greater understanding and acceptance between settled and traveller communities.
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