Analysis: Reality is bleak for immigrant families

OXFAM is best known for fighting poverty overseas but we do it right here in Scotland too. We began working with Roma families in Govanhill more than five years ago because of the desperate situation many had found themselves in.

We found a community that wants to make a positive contribution to Scottish society, but too often not being given an opportunity to do so. When they are, they take it.

This year we have helped the Govanhill Housing Association and the Govanhill Community Development Trust with their Clean Green Team project. Volunteers from the Roma community have given up to 25 hours a week of their time to clear litter, plant trees and to look after a community garden.

Many of these volunteers have gone on to paid training with the Govanhill Backcourts Initiative, funded by the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council. In doing so, they are improving their local area and giving themselves increased opportunities to work. But opportunities like these are the exception.

The reality for most Roma families remains bleak. Many face poor accommodation and over-crowding alongside a lack of both secure work and income. We gave funding to the Govanhill Law Centre to help Roma families deal with rogue landlords and access the social assistance they are entitled to as EU citizens in Scotland.

Access to benefits and tax credits are an important way of protecting the most vulnerable people in our society. This makes the Govanhill Law Centre report into the treatment of Roma claimants particularly worrying. Roma people can make an important contribution to Scottish life but they need – and deserve – the same access to public services as everyone else.

• Judith Robertson is Head of Oxfam Scotland