Battle Highlights Funding Black Hole for New Traveller Sites

Millions of pounds intended for new Gypsy and Traveller sites have been diverted to other projects, a move described as shocking by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). The Gypsy and Traveller Sites Grant, launched in 2008, had £97m available to "reduce the number of unauthorised sites" and "reduce the need for costly enforcement action". But only £16.9m has been spent. A lack of ring-fencing has meant millions being channelled into affordable homes not intended for Gypsies. "Given that the lack of Traveller sites is central to the Dale Farm problem, it is shocking that millions have been taken away that should have been used for site provision and other projects," said Simon Woolley, a commissioner with responsibility for Travellers, at the EHRC. The Homes and Communities Agency told the Guardian that £15m from the grant was allotted to "unfunded commitments in other programmes" within the National Affordable Homes Programme. Read more on the Guardian website.