Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they have taken to implement the recommendation of the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in January 2025 to "Prevent and combat discrimination, racism, stereotypes and inequalities faced by … Gypsies, Roma and Travellers … by implementing targeted awareness-raising campaigns and affirmative action measures in such areas as decent work, social security, adequate housing, healthcare and education to ensure that all persons fully enjoy Covenant rights without discrimination".

The Government recognises the challenges faced by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and is taking forward cross-government action to tackle inequalities and improve access to services across employment, housing, healthcare and education. The Office for National Statistics is undertaking research to better understand the barriers faced by Roma communities across these areas. Alongside this, the Government is delivering a range of measures.

In employment, the Get Britain Working White Paper here (attached), backed by £240 million investment, sets out reforms to create a more inclusive labour market and support people to participate in and progress in work.

In housing, proposals for the National Planning Policy Framework include policies on traveller sites, supporting local authorities to better plan for accommodation needs. We are analysing feedback and will respond in due course.

In health, the Migrant Health Guide here (attached), developed with the Roma Support Group and partners, supports professionals to address health inequalities experienced by Roma communities. NHS England’s Ethnicity Recording Improvement Plan aims to improve data quality for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller groups

In education, the Opportunity Mission focuses on improving outcomes for disadvantaged children, including those from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller backgrounds, supported by reforms set out in the Schools White Paper here (attached).