Equality

It is important that - when developing a new policy or initiative - we understand what effect it might have on different groups, and consider what steps we can take to prevent or minimise any likely harmful effects, especially on people who have protected characteristics under the Equality Act (see below).

We therefore publish information about likely equality issues and impacts in relevant reports to the Council’s Executive. Individual reports to the Executive can be viewed on the Committees' section of the website:

• Committee reports

Equality legislation

The Equality Act 2010 requires public bodies (such as the Council) to have due regard to:

• eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and any other conduct prohibited under the Act
• advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it
• foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it

The Equality Act provides legal protection from discrimination for the following ‘protected characteristic’ groups:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

Find out more about equality legislation

The following links will take you to more detailed information about current equality legislation:

• The Government’s Equality Act 2010: Easy Read Guide (GovUK) 
• Equality and Human Rights Commission website