New Action Plan for Gypsies and Travellers in Scotland co-agreed by Government and COSLA.

Improved access to housing, education, and health services, as well as tackling discrimination, are the focal points of a new Gypsy/Traveller Action Plan recently agreed upon by the Scottish Government and COSLA.
The Plan has been shaped by the voices of Gypsy/Travellers, acknowledging existing improvements in various areas while acknowledging the need for further progress.
The Scottish Government and COSLA will collaborate with stakeholders to implement the measures outlined in the Plan.
Key actions in the plan include:
- Supporting local authorities to provide increased and enhanced accommodation by enabling funding access under the Affordable Housing Supply Programme from 2026-27, and ensuring planners comprehend the needs of Gypsy/Traveller communities.
- Implementing measures to eliminate educational barriers and enhance educational outcomes for Gypsy/Traveller children and young individuals.
- Enhancing Gypsy/Travellers’ accessibility to and experience of healthcare.
- Working to eliminate obstacles to benefit access and enhancing awareness among employers about the disparities encountered by Gypsy/Travellers, along with providing practical tools for recruitment and retention.
- Challenging prejudice and discrimination while empowering communities to influence decision-making.
Kaukab Stewart, the Equalities Minister, stated, “Improving the lives of Scotland’s Gypsy/Traveller communities is a significant human rights commitment essential in achieving the fairer Scotland we aspire to see.
The collaborative effort of national and local government, third sector organisations, and most importantly, the determination of Gypsy/Travellers to ensure brighter futures for their communities, is evident in this second national joint action plan.
Current initiatives are already positively impacting the lives of Gypsy/Traveller communities across Scotland, like the Gypsy/Traveller Accommodation Fund and the success of the Community Health Worker project in overcoming barriers to accessing health and other essential services.
However, there is more work to be done. Through the actions outlined in this plan, we aim to build upon our past successes and further progress in crucial areas such as accommodation, health, education, and combating discrimination.