Agenda item
Diversity and Equality Action Plan 2009/2010 - Six Monthly Monitoring Report
To consider and comment upon the contents of the report.
(Time allocated – 20 minutes)
Minutes:
Councillor Joshua Peck, Deputy Leader of the Council, in introducing the report at the request of the Chair articulated what he considered to be the incredible success story of Tower Hamlets leadership leading to performance and achievement across all equality strands, that comprised the progress reported in relation to the Diversity and Equality Action Plan and Disability Equality Scheme. However homophobic hate crime was highlighted as an area where further work was required to address poor resident perception.
A discussion followed which was centred on the following points:
· Whether there was a preponderance of policies directed at improving outcomes for young people rather than older people and, the importance of continued awareness of age discrimination/ associated legal requirements; and specifically the importance of ensuring opportunities for older people at the top end of their career in the context of the direction of Government policy.
· Consideration that the DEAP indicated that a lot of work was being undertaken but some of this appeared incongruent with stated objectives.
· Acknowledging that achievements in this area were fantastic, both individually and holistically, clarification was sought and given as to Corporate understanding of associated costs, and the need to achieve value for money for the local taxpayer.
· Whether some of the objectives/ targets set out in the DEAP lacked clarity and consequently outcomes could not be properly measured, leading to a lack of confidence in the adequacy of the actions being put in place.
· Concerns expressed that the implementation of “Councillor Call for Action” was flagged as amber, given that it was a statutory requirement being placed on local authorities.
· Whether the DEAP contained sufficient performance indicators relating to gender inequality.
· Concerns expressed regarding slow progress towards establishment of the Pan Disability Forum and the implications for an already marginalised element of the community in terms of being heard. But also importance of ensuring operational effectiveness and resident led without being driven by unrepresentative elements.
· Dissatisfaction expressed with progress on investigation of the effectiveness of responses to disable people’s complaints about services, with particular reference to final 2 sentences on page 82 of agenda). Lead Member to examine this issue.
· Merits of rolling out the Swanlea School Disability Day. Lead Member to examine this issue.
The Chair Moved and it was: -
Resolved
That the progress in implementing the Council’s Diversity Action Plan 2009/10 and the Disability Equality Scheme, as set out in Appendices 1 and 2 to the report respectively, be noted.
Motion and Resolution to Extend the Proceedings
Prior to the completion of the discussion of the above item by the Committee, being 10.09pm, the Chair, Moved a motion, to extend the proceedings for a further 30 minutes to allow the Committee to transact all remaining business detailed on the agenda, for the consideration of members of the Committee; and it was:-
Resolved
That pursuant to the Authority’s Constitution, Part 4 Rules of Procedure, Section 4.1 Council Procedure Rules, Rule 9, that the meeting be extended for a period of up to 30 minutes.
Supporting documents: