Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Equality Act 2010: Implementation by Local Authorities

Wednesday 30 March 2022 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Local authorities must implement the provisions of the Equality Act 2010, including the public sector equality duty.
  • Agrees that women should not be prevented from organising on the basis of their sex.
  • No specific conversations have been had with British Cycling, but the issue will be raised with colleagues.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Neale Hanvey
Women & Equalities
Context

The question pertains to the implementation of provisions within the Equality Act 2010 by local authorities and any representations received on this issue.

Question

What recent representations have been received about the implementation by local authorities of the provisions in the Equality Act 2010, particularly concerning the public sector equality duty?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

Local authorities must implement the provisions of the Equality Act 2010, including the public sector equality duty. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing these laws across the public sector, including local authorities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific representations received are not addressed.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Neale Hanvey
Women & Equalities
Context

In Fife, women have had their coffee mornings cancelled by Fife Council officers without clear explanations, which is perceived as an attack on the protected characteristic of sex under the Equality Act.

Question

Does the Minister agree that preventing women from lawfully organising and discussing matters of importance under the protected characteristic of sex forms part of a culture of silencing women? Does she further agree that public bodies must observe the clear definition set out by the Court of Session on the category of sex in the Equality Act?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

Agrees that women should not be prevented from organising on the basis of their sex. Public bodies must consider the public sector equality duty in all functions and decision-making. The Scottish Government is responsible for education policy, which may relate to this case.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific case details are not fully addressed, but general agreement on principles is provided.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Maria Miller Con
Democracy & Elections
Context

Local authorities have a duty to provide information about who stands for election, and more information could help ensure the electoral system is fair.

Question

Would the Minister agree that getting more information about who stands for election published might help ensure our electoral system is as fair and open as possible?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

Agrees that more information could help ensure a fair electoral system. Local authorities carry out this work, but if there are specific suggestions for improvement, the Minister is willing to look into them.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No concrete commitment to change or action was provided.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q4 Tonia Antoniazzi Lab Gower
Culture, Media & Sport Women & Equalities
Context

British Cycling's inability to uphold section 195 of the Equality Act regarding transgender inclusion in sport could impact elite female athletes.

Question

What urgent conversations is the Minister having with British Cycling to ensure that elite female athletes will not lose their places due to British Cycling's failure to uphold section 195 of the Equality Act?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

No specific conversations have been had, but the issue will be raised with colleagues at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to provide clarity on sports guidance.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific urgent conversations are not confirmed.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email