DECISION:

1.    To agree the council’s Equality Policy 2023-27.

ACTION BY

DIRECTOR STRATEGIES, TRANSFORMATION AND IMPROVEMENT (S. GODMAN)

Head of Corporate Strategy & Communities (A. Hoque)

Councillor Suluk Ahmed (Cabinet Member for Equalities and Social Inclusion) introduced the report that set out a refreshed equality policy (2023-27) for the council. The refreshed policy reflected the council’s priorities as set out in the Strategic Plan 2022-26 and outlines how the equality policy is at core of all council business and applies to all aspects of the council’s function. Councillor Ahmed explained the policy also applies to all groups who might face discrimination, including care-leavers.

The Cabinet noted the report and made the following points:

The policy builds on a proud local history of promoting and celebrating diversity and tackling intolerance.

The addition of faith and trade union groups was welcome.

The Mayor welcomed the report and expressed his thanks to all members and officers involved in producing the proposed policy. He asked that an appropriate communications strategy be developed to support the policy’s implementation.

RESOLVED that the Mayor in Cabinet:

1.    Agrees the council’s Equality Policy 2023-27.