Issue - meetings

That:

·       The committee review, and if required amend the draft Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy for 2026-30.

·       The committee review, and if required amend the draft Equality Objectives for 2026-30.

·       The committee agrees to a public consultation on the draft Policy and Objectives.

·       That public access to the report be immediate

·       That public access to the decision be immediate.

The Committee reviewed the draft policy and objectives. Officers summarised that progress achieved under the existing equality objectives and the rationale for updated objectives focused on trust building, accessibility, inclusive culture, and fair delivery of services. The use of Equality Impact Assessments across council functions and alignment with partnership working and new deprivation data.

Some members debated the inclusion of the term equity alongside equality, diversity and inclusion. Concerns were raised including the potential conflict between equity and statutory equality duties, legal clarity and consistency with the Equality Act 2010.

Officers clarified that equity reflected practical steps already taken by the Council to address differing needs and barriers, examples included accessible venues, Healthy Hubs, targeting funding, and service adaptations.

Councillor Cooper proposed an amendment, seconded by Councillor Hearn.

• “Delete paragraph 2.2
• In paragraph 3.2, in the sixth bullet, delete ‘equity’
• In paragraph 5.2, in the fourth bullet, replace ‘inclusion and equity’ with ‘and inclusion’.

The amendment was put to the vote and declared be LOST by the Chair, the voting being For 4 and 9 Against.

The substantive motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being For 9, Against 0, Abstentions 4.

RESOLVED:

That:

• The committee review, and if required amend the draft Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy for 2026-30.
• The committee review, and if required amend the draft Equality Objectives for 2026-30.
• The committee agrees to a public consultation on the draft Policy and Objectives.
• That public access to the report be immediate
• That public access to the decision be immediate.