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Councils play a critical role in reducing inequalities and enhancing inclusion and cohesion within their communities. This page brings together the tools and resources we offer on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). Our support in this area is designed with direct input from councils, to help ensure the options available reflect wide ranging priorities and needs.
The LGA’s Equalities Hub provides officers and members with a range of tools and resources to support councils – spanning topics including workforce, health, community cohesion, cost of living and more. We also provide councils with support to meet their obligations as set out in the Equality Act 2010.
The range of challenges councils face in relation to equalities issues varies council to council. All support offers are shaped in consultation with a range of councils to help meet diverse priorities and needs.
The Equality Act 2010 applies to all local authorities and includes a general duty for all organisations to take steps to:
- eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation
- advance equal opportunities for all
- foster good relations between all individuals.
It also includes the Public Sector Equality Duty, which requires that public bodies, including councils, consider how policies and decisions might impact people with protected characteristics outlined in the Act (including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation).
Further information relating to the Act and these public sector duties can be read on the Equality and Human Rights Commission website.