The Scottish Government has urged Gypsy/Traveller site providers to quickly improve the maintenance of sites after a report revealed that many will not meet minimum standard requirements by next month’s deadline.

The newly published report shows the progress of local authority and registered social landlord site providers in implementing the Scottish Government’s published minimum standards across a total of 26 sites.

According to the self-assessment returns, two sites – Angus and Falkirk - met the standards across the board at the time of the survey and information gathered in the review indicates that 19 out of 26 sites will meet the site standards by June 2018. However, in a number of areas where site providers have said that they meet the standard, the information from site residents does not support this.

Cabinet secretary for communities, social security and equalities, Angela Constance, said: “While there has been some progress, I am very disappointed that not all Gypsy/Traveller sites will meet the minimum standards by June. Everyone in Scotland has the right to expect accommodation of a good standard and I am determined to ensure that this is achieved for Gypsy/Travellers.

“We have therefore written to every local authority and social landlord site provider today, making clear that we expect improvements to be made as soon as possible.

“The Scottish Housing Regulator has a statutory role in this and must play a part - ensuring social landlords meet the standards which are now part of the Scottish Social Housing Charter and that all site providers maintain their sites to these standards. I also expect site providers to work with their residents to ensure they remain informed of progress.”