The Scottish Housing Regulator has given evidence to a Scottish Parliament committee which has been looking at issues facing Gypsy/Travellers.

The regulator presented the findings from its recently published thematic report on social landlord services to Gypsy/Travellers in Scotland to the equal opportunities committee yesterday.

The report makes a positive contribution to this work, as it gives a real insight into the services landlords provide. It calls for social landlords to give an equal standard of service to Gypsy/Travellers and housing tenants.

In her opening statement to the committee, Christine Macleod, director of regulation (governance & performance), said: “We found that social landlords did not always apply relevant Charter standards to their Gypsy/Traveller services and sites, and Gypsy/Travellers in Scotland are not always receiving the standard of service they should from their social landlord.

“We also found that some landlords are listening to Gypsy/Travellers and considering their particular needs, and our report gives examples of positive practice.”

The report includes recommendations for social landlords which are aimed at improving the quality and consistency of services provided to Gypsy/Traveller site residents. Principally, it recommends that social landlords apply all relevant Charter standards and outcomes to residents of official Gypsy/Traveller sites.

The regulator also welcomed new Scottish Government guidance on minimum standards for official sites, recognising its potential to make a real difference in improving services across Scotland.

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