The research is the last in a series carried out by the Regulator’s National Panel of Tenants and Service Users. The resulting report gives some indication of the experiences and concerns of the Gypsy/Traveller community in Scotland. It revealed that most who participated in the study expressed concerns about their site.

The most commonly expressed concerns were centred around the overall condition and cleanliness of sites. Many participants said they felt that their sites suffered from a lack of investment. This view was most pronounced for those sites which have failed to meet the Scottish Government’s minimum site standards.

The data also suggests that travellers have limited awareness of the minimum site standards. The standards cover physical facilities and services. Just over one in ten of all those interviewed had heard of the standards. The majority of travellers believed they would benefit from access to information about them.

Some participants said that site location, the mix of residents, a community spirit, and on-site wardens were the predominant positives for current site provision.

George Walker, the Regulator’s chair, said: “The findings we published today about sites for Gypsy/Travellers add to the growing sense that, in spite of achieving the minimum standards set by the Scottish Government, some of the sites do not adequately meet the needs and cultural requirements of this community. The Scottish Government is considering a review of the standards for sites and we see this as an important opportunity to empower Gypsy/Travellers, for them to determine what is required for homes that genuinely meet their needs.”

The report arrives as the Regulator publishes updated engagement plans showing that more sites now comply with minimum standards. It has been revealed that sites run by Argyll Community Housing Association, Highland Council and West Dunbartonshire Council now meet the standards. Consequently, currently, 23 out of 28 sites run by social landlords now meet the standards.

However, five sites run by four social landlords continue to fail to meet the standards. The Regulator is continuing to engage with all four landlords.

The Regulator has also written to all landlords with sites to get further assurance around their compliance with fire safety requirements.

The research was carried out by Engage Scotland, which runs the National Panel on the Regulator’s behalf. Engage interviewed 55 travellers across ten sites.

The Regulator has also published a report which gives a summary of all of the recent Panel research.