Issue - meetings

To consider new Equality Objectives for the Council for the period 2020 to 2024.

RESOLVED that:

(i)              The Executive agree the proposed Equality Objectives at paragraph 9 and Annex 1 for the period 2020-2024.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor M. Brunt, introduced the report setting out the Equality Objectives for the Council for the period 2020-2024. The proposed Objectives aligned with the increased emphasis on fairness and inclusivity in the Council’s new corporate plan ‘Reigate & Banstead 2025’. The Objectives demonstrated how the Council would meet its duty to eliminate discrimination; and promote equality of opportunity and good community relations.

In response to a question from a Visiting Member, the Head of Corporate Policy explained that the Objectives reflected an opportunity for the Council to take a more positive approach to understanding and meeting the needs of those with protected characteristics, and to encourage social inclusion. 

The Leader explained that progress in delivering the Objectives would be reported annually to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and that the delivery of the Objectives would be evident in all reports to the Executive, Council and Committees. The Executive concurred that it was the responsibility of all Members to lead, promote, and demonstrate their own commitment to the Objectives. 

RESOLVED that the Executive agree the proposed Equality Objectives for the period 2020-2024:

a)         Using data and local intelligence better: Continue to improve our equality data, use of local intelligence and data insight to inform future service planning and formal decision making,

b)         Supporting good community relations: Develop a greater focus on promoting social inclusivity across all the Council’s services and fostering good community relations,

c)         Accessible information and services: Ensure that Council services, information, consultation and engagement opportunities remain accessible to all residents, particularly those with protected characteristics, and

d)         Working for the Council: Continue to seek opportunities to build inclusivity into the Council’s internal policies and procedures.

Reason for decision: The Equality Act 2010 required that the Council prepare and publishes one or more objectives that it should achieve to discharge its general equality duty to eliminate prohibited conduct, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share protected characteristics and those who do not.

Alternative options: Not to agree the proposed new Equality Objectives.