The Council's Response to the Equality Duty

Our core values and corporate objectives include ensuring that access to services is available to all, treating everyone equally and respecting all individuals and their views. These values and objectives guide and influence our actions as we continuously improve the services we deliver.

The Equality Duty means that we should analyse the effect of existing and new policies and practices on equality. It does not specify how we should do this. However, legal cases on the meaning of the previous general equality duties make it clear that we must carry out the analysis before making the relevant policy decision, and include consideration as to whether we can reduce any detrimental impact.

Customer Impact Assessments

These are a suggested way for making a written record of any analysis and considerations made.  The time spent conducting any analysis should be proportionate to the policy decision being taken. Meaningful analysis will help the Council make the best decision or formulate a policy which best meets our customers' needs.