Gypsies and Travellers

Part of 2. Questions to the Leader of the House and Chief Whip (in respect of her portfolio responsibilities) – in the Senedd at 2:51 pm on 6 December 2017.

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Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour 2:51, 6 December 2017

Yes. We have an annual review of how the local authorities are progressing. All 22 local authorities have responded to the request, and the findings of the first review show that good progress is being made in almost every area across Wales. A formal review of the Gypsy and Traveller accommodation assessment guidance will be undertaken in 2018, which will inform thinking about the next round of assessments after that. I'm aware of a number of issues that have been highlighted in various local authorities around Wales. I'm currently aware of 10 areas that have highlighted specific issue. I will be doing a tour of all of those areas to make sure I thoroughly understand the issues identified and that we can work with the councils in question to make sure that people's needs are met. When people are camping on unsatisfactory and not specific sites, then clearly that's not in the best interests of the people in the camps, and nor is it in the best interest of any of the people providing services or living around them.