Decision details

The Chair of the Cabinet informed the Council that Local Authorities are required to produce and publish a Strategic Equalities Plan every three years as part of their specific equalities duties. The Council was presented with proposed Equality Objectives for 2016-20 based on an evolution of current objectives and priorities and changes in line with new or current legislation and as recommended by the Cabinet.

In line with legislation, assessment of data held (Unified Needs Assessment and Ward Profiles) and consultation the following Equality Objectives were agreed:

·         A more equal Wales, including diversity in the workplace – engaging employees; engagement and democratic participation; improving access to services; and tackling poverty

·         A Wales of cohesive communities, to include: cohesive communities and tackling hate crime; domestic abuse and sexual violence; and homelessness

·         A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh language, which would involve: compliance with the Welsh Language Standards; and corporate compliance

The Leader of the Council agreed to provide a written answer to Councillor Fouweather who asked whether there were sufficient funds available in the budget to provide the Welsh Language Schemes that we need to comply with.

Councillor Ali spoke in favour of the Plan as the Council’s Equalities Champion and he thanked the Cabinet Members and officers involved in the Equalities Partnership, showing the importance the Council gave to this issue

Resolved

To adopt the proposed plan.