Agenda item

Motion 416 submitted by Sarah Kerr

 

Local Authorities have a statutory requirement to demonstrate their compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) of the Equalities Act 2010.  This Act requires Local Authorities to consider how their work affects people of different ages, disability, sex, sexual orientation, religion or beliefs, marital status, pregnancy and maternity and gender identity. Everyone that lives in, works and visits Wokingham Borough needs to have confidence that this is being done throughout the Borough.  This Council will evidence its compliance with the PSED through undertaking Equality Impact Assessments (EqIA’s) when required, and ensure they are included in public reports and are easily accessible on the Council's website.  In addition, all newly elected Members will have PSED and EqIA training as part of their induction.  Executive Members will also have to undertake PSED and EqIA training.

Minutes:

The Council considered the following Notice of Motion submitted by Sarah Kerr and seconded by John Halsall.

 

Local Authorities have a statutory requirement to demonstrate their compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) of the Equalities Act 2010.  This Act requires Local Authorities to consider how their work affects people of different ages, disability, sex, sexual orientation, religion or beliefs, marital status, pregnancy and maternity and gender identity. Everyone that lives in, works and visits Wokingham Borough needs to have confidence that this is being done throughout the Borough.  This Council will evidence its compliance with the PSED through undertaking Equality Impact Assessments (EqIA’s) when required, and ensure they are included in public reports and are easily accessible on the Council's website.  In addition, all newly elected Members will have PSED and EqIA training as part of their induction.  Executive Members will also have to undertake PSED and EqIA training.’

 

Sarah Kerr commented that her grandfather was visually impaired and that when Market Place had first opened she had realised that there may be some difficulties for those with visual impairments in getting around the Market Place.  She had found that those with visual impairments had not been consulted at all stages of the design process.  The Council was required to have a regard to a number of considerations in accordance with the Public Sector Equality Duty, including evidencing its compliance with the Equality Act 2010.  An Equality Impact Assessment was a way doing so.  Sarah Kerr indicated that Officers underwent mandatory training on the subject and suggested that all Members should undertake the available online training.  The online training should also be available to any new Members as part the Members’ induction and at the first Executive Briefing of a municipal year.  Sarah Kerr also suggested that EQIAs or Initial Impact Views should be published on the Council’s website, and that report templates make reference to the fact that regard had been made to the Public Sector Equality Duty.

 

John Halsall stated that the Motion reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to comply with the Public Sector Equality Duty of the Equality Act 2010.  He agreed that Members should undergo training. 

 

In accordance with Rule 4.2.13.12, the Leader of the Council, moved a closure Motion.  However, this was not agreed by the Mayor who felt that there had not been sufficient debate of the Motion.

 

Imogen Shepherd-Dubey felt that equalities had been underrated by the Council in the past, particularly when it came to people with disabilities.  She referred to the moving of disabled spaces at Carnival Pool.  She therefore wanted to see a higher prioritisation of equalities.

 

Clive Jones emphasised that there needed to be change of culture.  He wanted to see all Executive Members trained on equalities within 3 months of taking office.

 

Andrew Mickleburgh commented that equalities should be at the heart of policy and strategy and that regular refresher training should be offered to Members.

 

Following debate the Motion was then put to the vote and was declared by the Mayor to be carried.

 

RESOLVED:  That Local Authorities have a statutory requirement to demonstrate their compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) of the Equalities Act 2010.  This Act requires Local Authorities to consider how their work affects people of different ages, disability, sex, sexual orientation, religion or beliefs, marital status, pregnancy and maternity and gender identity. Everyone that lives in, works and visits Wokingham Borough needs to have confidence that this is being done throughout the Borough.  This Council will evidence its compliance with the PSED through undertaking Equality Impact Assessments (EqIA’s) when required, and ensure they are included in public reports and are easily accessible on the Council's website.  In addition, all newly elected Members will have PSED and EqIA training as part of their induction.  Executive Members will also have to undertake PSED and EqIA training.