RESOLVED: That

1.  Progress on the Equalities Objectives and Action Plan update at Appendix 1 to the report be noted;

2.  The changes to the Equalities Policy at Appendix 2 of the report be agreed;

3.  The revised actions for the Equalities Action Plan at Appendix 3 of the report be agreed; and

4.  The inclusion of Poverty as an additional protected characteristic be agreed.

See Record of Decision.

The report was introduced by the Lead Member for Communities and Public Engagement. They explained that the progress of the Equalities Action Plan was reported to the Committee on an annual basis. The report outlined the responsibilities of the Council under the Equalities Act 2010. The Council’s Equalities Policy includes  three overarching objectives in place which are as an Employer, a Service Provider and a Community Leader.

It was explained that this was a light touch update to the current policy, which was developed with input from the Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion Officer Group. The new action plan addressed the financial climate and included poverty as an additional protected characteristic.

RESOLVED: That the Executive be recommended:

1.  To note the progress on the Equalities Objectives and Action Plan update at appendix 1 to the report and outlined at paragraph 2.6-2.11 in the report

2.  To consider and recommend the proposed changes to the Equalities Policy as outlined at paragraph 2.17-2.21 in the report.

3.  To consider and recommend the revised actions for the Equalities Action Plan as outlined at paragraph 2.22–2.29 in the report (appendix 3).

4.  To consider and recommend the inclusion of Poverty as an additional protected characteristic as outlined at paragraph 2.33

The Chairman stated that the item was due to be withdrawn as the Lead Member for Communities and Public Engagement was unable to attend the meeting.

The Leader of the Council stated that as the matter was not time sensitive, it would be re-presented at the Committee’s next meeting.

RESOLVED: That Item 14 – Equalities Policy and Action Plan Update be withdrawn from the agenda.