Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Social Justice – in the Senedd at 1:53 pm on 1 March 2023.
Thank you very much, Jenny Rathbone, for your question and for your leadership on this issue, which is crucial, as chair of the cross-party group and also Chair of the Equality and Social Justice Committee. Can I also thank the Llywydd for hosting this inspiring event this afternoon as well, where we heard from refugees, the Welsh Refugee Council speakers and Ukrainian guests and friends? And a wonderful event it was, but also a recognition that we must not be complacent in Wales. We seek to be a nation of sanctuary, but we must not be complacent. That's why we've got the 'Anti-racist Wales Action Plan', which actually has a whole section on addressing this issue—this shortfall in terms of delivery for our Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community.
And just to confirm, as you say, that this is in legislation, the Housing (Wales) Act 2014—I was here then—requiring every local authority in Wales to prepare a Gypsy and Traveller accommodation assessment, and also to report on the need for additional pitches in their areas, such as permanent residential land and temporary transit. I did issue a statement for Members to be aware, at 1 o'clock today, to just explain that I am undertaking an examination of all of the latest audits that are coming through. They have to produce assessments of where they are, the needs and gaps in sites and pitches across Wales for Traveller communities. Although there are challenges in terms of finding the right sites, et cetera, I do expect all local authorities in Wales to ensure that sufficient sites and pitches are provided, and that they identify the needs of Gypsy communities across Wales. And I expect them to be accurate assessments of needs, with clear actions to be taken to address the gaps that exist, and I will be meeting local authorities. By local authority, I will meet them this year, within the next few weeks, to ask them questions about their assessments and their delivery for the needs of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.