Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

<-- Back to proposed bills

Government Equalities Office Update

22 September 2020

Proposing MP
Elizabeth Truss Con
South West Norfolk
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Women and Equalities
View on Parliament.uk -->

At a Glance

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.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy