Definition & legislation
What do we mean by the terms Gypsy and Traveller?
By the terms Gypsy and Traveller we understand that it refers to a diverse group of people and their communities; their culture, ethnicity or nomadic habit. The different distinct communities are;- English Romany Gypsies, Welsh Gypsies, Scottish Travellers, Irish Travellers, Fairground and Showground Travellers, New Travellers and other such as European Roma and Bargees.
Within Nottinghamshire this includes Gypsies and Travellers who have stopped travelling, whether temporary or permanently, and are living in housing or on sites and also those who are moving through the County.
Legislation
Romany Gypsies and Irish Travellers are accepted as being racial groups under the Race Relations Act 1976.
The Human Rights Act 2000 Article 8 which gives the “right to respect for private and family life” for all members of the community and is specifically relevant for Gypsies and Travellers in the management of Unauthorised encampments.
There are slightly different definitions of Gypsies and Travellers in Planning and Housing Legislation and also specific guidance relating to Unauthorised encampments. Please contact Annette on 01623 664804 for more information.