Devon for Everyone
Gypsies and Travellers
Gypsies/Travellers have been in Devon for many generations and still retain their own cultures and customs.
The term 'Gypsy/Traveller' refers to distinct groups - such as Romany Gypsies, Scottish and Irish Travellers - who regard the travelling lifestyle as being part of their ethnic identity.
There are also other types of Traveller, such as Occupational Travellers and New Age Travellers: distinct groups who do not regard themselves as Gypsies/Travellers.
In Devon today many Gypsies/Travellers live on authorised council sites, while others live on private sites or roadside encampments. Access to health, education and social services can be difficult for Gypsies/Travellers.
Ethnic Status
Case law in England has ruled that Roma and Irish Travellers are protected by the 1976 Act. Although for the purposes of UK race legislation other Gypsy/Traveller communities are not recognised as racial or ethnic groups, the Council treats them as such, and acknowledges that all Gypsy/Traveller communities have specific requirements and require the same level of protection from discrimination and abuse in common with all of Devon’s minority ethnic communities.
Topline summaries:
There are around 300 families living in or in transit through Devon.
At any one time there is a need to provide education and early years support for over 500 children from these families.
More information on Gypsies and Travellers.
