Pilot programme for Gypsy/Traveller stopover sites in Moray approved

Five Scottish councils are expected to part in COSLA’s ‘Negotiated Stoppings’ pilot, to protect and promote human rights of gypsy/travellers in Scotland, tackle the discrimination and inequalities they face and to make sure their needs are met on an equal basis with other communities.

Moray doesn’t currently provide any halting or stopping places for Gypsy/Travellers, rather actively managing ‘unauthorised encampments’ providing a code of conduct is complied with, which outlines that those occupying the site behave responsibly, don’t engage in anti-social behaviour, and look after the site.

Under the new pilot scheme, Moray Council will work with researchers and the Gypsy/Traveller community to map out traditional stopping places and travelling routes, to consider if it would be practical to re-open them. This would allow the council to assess the suitability of sites in Moray as potential stopping places.

Cllr Louise Laing, Chair of Moray Council Communities Committee, which today approved the council’s participation in the pilot, said it would encourage better engagement with the gypsy/traveller community.

“Although the number of unauthorised encampments in Moray has reduced significantly in recent years, we must do all we can to improve access to public services for the Gypsy/Traveller community and tackle the discrimination they face.

“Taking part in this pilot with other Scottish councils will us to share our experiences with other local authorities so we can all provide better support.”