[Taf]

From what I have seen of the Roma here (and that's a lot I can tell you), they came with the promise of wealth, but forgot to include taxes, rents, high prices, etc. into their calculations.

Most were/are actually worse off, especially as they had to have valid driving licences and tax, insure and MOT their cars. Plus their staples, alcohol and tobacco, are far more expensive in the UK.

Then they found that a guaranteed income came with children (Family Allowance and Child Tax Credits) so there was the start of a mini population explosion amongst their group.

Not that their offspring see much of that money.... it all seems to go on powerful gas-guzzling cars, widescreen TVs, branded sport footwear, tobacco and alcohol.

The family near me went from 3 kids to 5 in 18 months, the kids got no birthday or Xmas presents, were dressed car boot sale clothing (and sometimes clothing taken from inside charity recycling points and bags), and lived off pasta, bread and ketchup with occasional fruit or yoghurt. Their father paid for school meals for them for only a few months, fell into arrears with the school, so the kids went to school with cheapo crisps and biscuits.

They decided not to pay the rent to their landlord after about a year, even though they were receiving Housing Benefit to pay him. It took their landlord almost another year, and a lot of legal fees, to get them moved out. No rent paid for the entire period though! Many others of their extended family are now doing the same thing, then declaring themselves homeless and DEMANDING Council homes.