Out of Site, Out of Mind

Based on research carried out with some 100 new age travellers in the West Country, this report focuses particularly on the needs of traveller children, families and young people, as well as examining the legislation relating to them. The authors conclude that there are strong links between poverty, homelessness and the decision to travel. They warn that proposed legislation, which will increase the powers of eviction and remove local authorities' obligation to provide sites for the travellers, is likely to fuel a crisis for travellers and authorities alike, and they present a series of alternative proposals based on their research findings.