Issue - meetings

Arising from a report from the Head of Communities and Governance, the Community Well-Being Policy Development Group had recommended that the revised Single Equality Scheme and Equality Objective be approved.

Arising from a *report of the Head of Communities and Governance, the Community Well-Being Policy Development Group had recommended that the revised Single Equalities Scheme and Equality Objective be approved.

The Cabinet Member for Community Well-Being outlined the contents of the report stating that the policy had been revised in line with the Equalities Act 2010 and did reflect the various strands within the Corporate Plan.

Consideration was given to:

·         The balance of the Citizens Panel used for consultation purposes

·         The work of the Devon Equalities Group

·         The possibility of making reference to the Single Equality Scheme on the front page of the corporate report template alongside legal implications and risk assessment.

RESOLVED that the recommendations of the Policy Development Group be approved.

(Proposed by Cllr C R Slade and seconded by Cllr N V Davey)

Note:  *Report previously copy attached to minutes.

To receive a report from the Head of Communities and Governance regarding the revised Single Equality Scheme and Equality Objective.

The Group had before it a report * from the Head of Communities and Governance regarding the Single Equality Scheme.

The Community Development and Regeneration Manager outlined the content of the report, explaining that under the Equality Act 2010 local authorities had a duty to have ‘due regard’ to eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct that was prohibited by or under the Act; advance equality of opportunity between persons who shared a relevant protected characteristic and persons who did not share it; and foster good relations between persons who shared a relevant protected characteristic and persons who did not share it.

The way a local authority showed it had ‘due regard’ was by evidencing how equality was considered as part of its decision-making processes. The Single Equality Scheme indicated how this would be done.             Local authorities also had specific duties under the Act to publish Equality Information annually and ‘Equality Objectives’ at least every four years.

Discussion took place regarding:

·         Training for Members - the officer explained that it was important to ensure that training was set at an appropriate level for each officer or Member, dependant on their role, and not just a general session for all.

·         Feedback – the officer explained that feedback was gained from the Customer First Complaints and Feedback system and that any comments made were looked at and analysed by the Corporate Equality Group.

·         Gender equality and the importance of using appropriate language.

·         Digitalisation and the fact that not all residents had access to the internet.

It was RECOMMENDED to Cabinet that the Single Equality Scheme, together with the Equality Objective for 2016-17, be approved.

(Proposed by the Chairman)

Note: - Report * previously circulated and attached to the Minutes.