Today, Friends, Families and Travellers (FFT) released a new briefing on the economic and financial exclusion experienced by Gypsies and Travellers in England.
The briefing examines the structural issues and barriers that inhibit some Gypsy and Traveller people from financial and economic inclusion, such as:
- Financial institutions, such as banks and insurance brokers, restricting access to goods and services to Gypsies and Travellers living in caravans or mobile homes on sites and roadside camps;
- Prejudicial views limiting access to services and employment opportunities;
- Stark health and educational inequalities experienced by Gypsies and Travellers, which reduce employment opportunities;
- Gypsies and Travellers facing difficulties when trying to access welfare benefits and some grant schemes available to the wider public;
- Increased digitisation of services creating barriers for Gypsies and Travellers with low digital literacy.
With the cost-of-living crisis and rising energy costs, the pre-existing inequalities that Gypsies and Travellers face are made worse. Particularly as the Government’s energy grants have not been extended to Gypsies and Travellers living on roadside camps.
The briefing provides a snapshot view of the issues outlined above, as well as a series of key recommendations for financial institutions and regulators, and local and national government.
ENDS
About Friends, Families and Travellers (FFT)
Friends, Families and Travellers is a leading national charity that works to end racism and discrimination against Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people and to protect the right to pursue a nomadic way of life.
Media Contact
Communications Team
Email: comms@gypsy-traveller.org
Additional Resources
Briefing: Economic and financial exclusion experienced by Gypsies and Travellers in England. Friends, Families and Travellers. April 2023. Read.
Help extend energy support grants to Gypsies and Travellers living on roadside camps and itinerant Boaters. Friends, Families and Travellers. March 2023. Take action.
