Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Government Equalities Office Update

22 September 2020 · Women and Equalities

Proposed by Elizabeth Truss Con South West Norfolk

Women & Equalities

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

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At a glance

Key points

  • The Government will place the gender recognition application process online.
  • The fee for applying for a Gender Recognition Certificate will be reduced from 140 to a nominal amount.
  • At least three new gender clinics will be opened this year to cut waiting lists by around 1,600 patients by 2022.

Issue summary

The minister is responding to the Gender Recognition Act 2004 consultation and announcing changes to improve the process for transgender people applying for a Gender Recognition Certificate.

Action requested

The Government will place the gender recognition application process online, reduce the fee from £140 to a nominal amount, and open at least three new gender clinics this year to cut waiting lists by around 1,600 patients by 2022. The minister also announced funding for a National LGBT Health Advisor.

Key facts

  • In 2017, over 108,000 respondents participated in the largest survey of British LGBT people, with 7,000 being trans.
  • Thirty-eight per cent of those who had not applied for a Gender Recognition Certificate cited the process as too bureaucratic.
  • Thirty-four per cent said the process was too expensive; the fee will be reduced from £140 to a nominal amount.
  • The Government plans to open at least three new gender clinics this year, reducing waiting lists by around 1,600 patients by 2022.
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