Issue - meetings

Corporate Services – (C-016-2021-22) – update on the Council’s Equality Policy.

1.         The Cabinet took into consideration comments arising from the Stronger Council Select Committee review of the Equality Policy and Equality Objectives; and

2.         That the Cabinet agreed to adopt the Equality & Inclusion Policy and the Equality Objectives it contains.

In the absence of the relevant Portfolio Holder, Councillor Philip introduced this report. He noted that Epping Forest District Council was committed to advancing equality and inclusion for all. The Council’s new Equality & Inclusion Policy demonstrated our commitment to equality and our responsibility to our communities and our workforce. The Equality Objectives contained in the Policy set out how we would deliver this commitment, recognising the need to continuously improve and build on our past achievements to ensure excellent equality practice.

Councillor Murray wanted to highlight that the report contained ward profiles, and he also noted the two most deprived wards were Loughton Alderton and Loughton Broadway. He hoped that the excellent initiatives to improve various areas that the council had taken elsewhere would be repeated in these wards in the near future.

Decision:

1.         The Cabinet took into consideration comments arising from the Stronger Council Select Committee review of the Equality Policy and Equality Objectives; and

2.         That the Cabinet agreed to adopt the Equality & Inclusion Policy and the Equality Objectives it contains.

Reasons for Proposed Decision:

To demonstrate EFDC’s commitment to advancing equality under the Equality Act and Public Sector Equality Duty. Subject to approval by Cabinet, the proposed Equality Objectives will be published on the Council’s website and embedded across all strategic policies and plans.

Other Options for Action:

Not applicable