Horsham District Council wants to hear from anyone in the district with an interest in its Single Equality Scheme.
The scheme outlines at a high strategic level how the council plans to ensure that equality and diversity is built into its core work.
The aim of the scheme is to ensure that the council meets its obligations under the Equality Act 2010, which are to eliminate discrimination, promote equality of opportunity and to foster good relations between people of different backgrounds (such as race, age, disability and other equality characteristics).
It is closely aligned to the council’s district plan priorities.
The council would particularly welcome the views of those who may not have traditionally engaged with the Council and plans are in place to reach out to groups and individuals from different types of equality groups in the district.
Views will be welcomed up until 30 September 2013 and once the consultation stage has closed, the council will then consider the comments that have been received.
A revised draft of the scheme will be prepared and submitted to a meeting of the council’s cabinet in November 2013 with a view to accepting the scheme.
The new scheme will then become operational and will be monitored through internal project planning systems.
The scheme will be reviewed again in 2015 unless there are significant changes to the Equality Act 2010, which the Government is currently reviewing.
Sue Rogers (Con, Ashurst and Steyning), cabinet member for a Safer and Healthier District, said:
“The council takes its responsibility under the Equality Act very seriously.
“We want to ensure that all residents are able to take part in civic activities in the district, and that the Horsham district remains an enjoyable and safe area to live in.
“We are aware that there is a changing demographic in the district and want to deliver services that meet the needs of all our residents.”
To view a copy of the draft Single Equality Scheme visit the Council’s website (http://www.horsham.gov.uk/community/11120.aspx). To get hold of a hard copy or discuss the scheme further, please contact Horsham District Council by emailing equalities@horsham.gov.uk or call 01403 215574.