Redbridge Council is set to assess the merits of signing the Mishto Pledge to support equal access to council services for the Roma community. This follows a motion proposed at a recent council meeting which highlighted inequalities faced by Roma people in accessing housing and children's services, where the number of Gypsy/Roma children in care has risen by over 22% since 2019, and over a quarter (26.5%) of Roma people live in overcrowded housing conditions, more than three times the national average.

The motion, put forward by Councillor Alex Holmes and seconded by Councillor Vanisha Solanki, acknowledges these inequalities faced by Roma people in England. It also highlights the launch of the Mishto Campaign by the Roma Rights Forum, which aims to improve access to fair, inclusive, and culturally competent services for Roma communities.

The meeting information indicates that the council resolves to Assess the merits of signing the 'Mishto Pledge' and committing to becoming a 'Mishto Local Authority', working with the Roma Rights Forum to promote accessible, inclusive and fair services for our local Roma communities, within available resources.

The motion resolves to:

  • Assess the merits of signing the Mishto Pledge and committing to becoming a Mishto Local Authority , working with the Roma Rights Forum to promote accessible, inclusive and fair services for local Roma communities, within available resources.
  • Publicly support and participate in Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month, International Roma Day, and Roma Genocide Remembrance Day.