Issue - meetings

Report of Councillor M Foster, Portfolio Holder for Council Services

RESOLVED - Cabinet noted the progress achieved during the first year of the Council’s the Single Equality Scheme 2019-2023.

REASONS FOR DECISION - To appraise Cabinet of progress made towards achieving the Council’s Single Equality Scheme objectives.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED - No other options were considered. The Council has a statutory duty to publish information demonstrating its compliance with the General Equality Duty.

Please note that this was not a Key Decision and so can be implemented with immediate effect by officers

Cabinet considered performance information on the Council’s Single Equality Scheme 2019-2023. In particular, Members heard that there had been an increase in the number of apprenticeships within the Council, provided to both existing employees and new starters. Members noted specific examples of the apprenticeships which had been established, the support that had been provided to the individual apprentices and the likely long term benefits to them.

Cabinet discussed the Council’s ongoing commitment to promoting equality within the District. In this context, Members highlighted, the introduction of an Older People’s Strategy, adoption of the British Sign Language Charter and work to support children in care and those who had left care, as clear examples of this commitment.

Cabinet was reminded of how the Council had made a commitment to a countywide and District Council local ‘offer’ for children in care and care leavers. Members also recalled how the Council had agreed to support the development of a countywide ‘care leaver covenant’ and had shown strong support for veterans and the armed forces community. The Council had done this by reaffirming its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and by agreeing to become an Armed Forces Champion. Cabinet had also recently altered the housing allocations policy to help support veterans and their families.

RESOLVED - Cabinet noted the progress achieved during the first year of the Council’s the Single Equality Scheme 2019-2023.

REASONS FOR DECISION - To appraise Cabinet of progress made towards achieving the Council’s Single Equality Scheme objectives.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED - No other options were considered. The Council has a statutory duty to publish information demonstrating its compliance with the General Equality Duty.