Issue - meetings

To consider a report by the Head of People, Performance and Partnerships on progress of the Council’s Corporate Equality Policy Action Plan and seeking endorsement of the new Single Equality Scheme.

Noted progress made to date on the delivery of actions and targets set out in the Corporate Equality Policy Action Plan and approved the content of a Single Equality Scheme which streamlines the Council’s equality scheme and policy into one document.

By way of a report by the Head of People, Performance and Partnerships (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Cabinet were updated on progress made to date on the delivery of actions and targets set out in the Corporate Equality Policy Action Plan.

Having considered the information contained in the report, the content of a Single Equality Scheme, which combines the Council’s equality scheme and policy and statutory schemes into one document and streamlines performance monitoring, and the views of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Social Well-Being) on the matter, the Cabinet

RESOLVED

  (a)  that the progress made with the Corporate Equality Action Plan be noted;

  (b)  that the Single Equality Scheme and action plan as set out in the appendix to the report now submitted be approved; and

  (c)  that the findings from the Equality Impact Assessments conducted in 2009/2010 summarised in appendix G be noted.

To receive a report from the Head of People, Performance and Partnerships on the Single Equality Scheme.

Appendices B – H of the Scheme has been circulated electronically to Panel Members for information only.

20 Minutes.

(Councillor K J Churchill, Executive Councillor for Resources and Policy was in attendance for this item).

With the aid of a report by the Head of People, Performance and Partnerships (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) Members were acquainted with progress towards the achievement of the Corporate Equality Policy Action Plan together with a proposal to introduce a new Single Equality Scheme.

In introducing the report, the Executive Councillor for Resources and Policy reported on achievements made against the Action Plan. Of the 18 actions contained in the Action Plan, 12 had been completed and 6 were currently ongoing. The Policy identified two outcomes and associated measures relating to the diverse needs of local people, the way the Council’s services met those needs and whether they were provided in a fair and accessible way. Members discussed trends in residents’ perceptions in these respects. In so doing, they were mindful that the data captured reflected individuals’ perceptions of all local public services and not just those provided by the District Council. In response to a question on how this information would be captured in the future following the Government’s decision not to continue with the Place Survey, Members were informed that this could be done through District-Wide.

Members were informed that the Single Equality Scheme had been prompted by the Equality Act 2010. The Act placed a duty on public bodies to tackle discrimination, promote equality of opportunity and encourage good community relations. The new duty covered race, disability, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment and religion or belief. This meant that the new Scheme brought together all equalities matters in a single framework. In addition, it was reported that, following external assessment, the Council had attained Level 3 of the Equality Framework for Local Government which was introduced in April 2009 and replaced the Equality Standard.

Having drawn attention to the fact that 90% of Equality Impact Assessments had been completed in 2009/10, Members were advised that the outstanding Assessments would be completed over the course of the current year. Following a question on the impact potential service reductions would have on equalities issues, Members were reminded of the statutory duty to comply with legislation in this area. In discussing employees’ attitudes towards equalities matters, comments were made on the need for equalities matters to be embedded across the Council and that individuals were responsible for ensuring that they complied with their equalities responsibilities. The Action Plan appended to the Policy would assist with achieving these objectives.

RESOLVED

  that the Cabinet be recommended to

(a)  endorse the new Single Equality Scheme and Action Plan; and

(b)  note progress and the findings from the Equality Impact Assessments conducted during 2009/10.