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

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities in the last six months to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Government are holding regular discussions with representatives from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) communities to understand the issues they are facing. We have written to local authority Chief Executives highlighting the need to mitigate potential impacts of COVID-19 amongst Gypsy and Traveller communities and published online guidance for those leading a nomadic way of life. In addition we have announced funding for GRT children and young people to get extra educational support and launched the £25 million Community Champions scheme, which will fund local authorities and community organisations to improve the reach of official public health guidance about the virus into specific places and groups most at risk from COVID-19.

The Government is determined to ensure everyone gets the support they need to look after themselves and their families during this pandemic.