AGENDA ITEM NO: 5
BOSTON BOROUGH COUNCIL
REPORT TO COUNCIL
26 JULY 2010
SUBJECT:
EQUALITY & FAIRNESS STRATEGY
PORTFOLIO HOLDER:
COUNCILLOR BRENDA OWEN, REGENERATION,
HEALTH, LEARNING, HR, PERFORMANCE &
IMPROVEMENT SERVICES
REPORT BY:
HEAD OF BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION
Reason For Report:
To consider adopting the Councils Equality & Fairness Strategy 2010-2013.
Summary:
The Council has a requirement to have a strategy and action plan for addressing issues across the
strands of equality & diversity (race/ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion/belief
also deprivation & rurality.)
The new strategy runs from 2010 to 2013 and has an associated action plan to address needs and
issued identified from our community. There is no additional cost to the Council associated with
delivering the action plan as the actions are focused on the culture of the organisation and awareness
of staff and elected members.
The Action Plan has been developed from an analysis of community needs and from specific
consultation with individuals and groups from across the strands.
Recommendation(s):
1.
That Council adopts the Strategy and associated action plan.
Reasons for Recommendations:
Our previous Equality Scheme expired in December 2009, we have a legal duty to have a Race,
Gender and Disability Scheme which sets out our objectives and how we will meet them. This Strategy
not only meets the requirements of the aforementioned schemes, but also includes the other equality
strands Age, Religion or Belief and Sexual Orientation as well as areas of importance to our community
i.e. rurality and deprivation.
.
Alternative Options:
Not to consider the information or make alternative recommendations.
Background Papers:
1.
Report to Cabinet 21st July 2010.
Implications:
Relationship to Community Plan
The Strategy cuts across a number of Community Plan ambitions including:
 Feeling safe and part of your community
 Getting around
 Generating prosperity
 Being healthy
Financial
There are no additional financial implications associated with implementing the action plan.
This will be delivered as part of the mainstream work of the Council.
Impact on Performance
A clear strategy and plan will help the Council improve performance on delivering fair and
accessible services to all of our residents. Progress and sustained outcomes in this area are
a key measure of improvement from government.
Human Resources
N/A
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Equality Impact Assessment
By its very nature the strategy has a positive impact on equality and fairness across all of the
strands. The action plan accompanying the strategy has been developed to help to reduce
inequality and to promote fairness. There is no need for an Equality Impact Assessment.
Risk Management
Having a robust strategy and action plan reduces the risk of legal action against the Council
due to discrimination and non compliance with equalities legislation.
Legal
We have a legal duty to have a Race, Gender and Disability Scheme, this strategy covers all
three of the aforementioned schemes.
Environmental
There is no environmental impact.
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Wards
All Wards
Main Report:
Introduction
We understand that as a council we have to take the lead in making our borough a place where
everyone has equal life chances – regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion or belief,
sexuality, income or age.
This strategy sets out our aspirational aims to make Boston a fairer place where everybody has equality
of opportunity – and we have based this on what our residents have told us. We have taken on board
their views and made sure this strategy is easy to read, setting out clear priorities and responsibility for
progress
The success of this strategy relies on a high level of commitment and leadership from our elected
members and managers.
The Council’s Equality Board, chaired by Councillor Brenda Owen, Cabinet Member for Equality &
Diversity, has responsibility for driving through a clear understanding of equality and diversity so that all
our services are flexible and meet the different needs of our community.
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Members, managers and staff at all levels also have a responsibility to challenge discrimination and
promote equality of opportunity across the Council and the Borough.
Our community
Boston has a number of challenges to support its diverse population with particular
issues around areas of deprivation, a growing older population, a high proportion of
residents who have a disability and a high proportion of those on low incomes.
Priorities & Action Plan
The Strategy is focused around 4 priorities:
 To make Boston a place where everyone is welcome
 To make our services easier to access
 To provide fair & equal treatment that meets individual needs
 To ensure Boston is a place where everyone can reach their potential
The Action Plan is focused around these priorities and the work the Council will undertake, with
partners, to deliver the actions and outcomes.
The Council will not be committing any specific financial resources to deliver this action plan.
Review Date:
Regular reporting on progress with the strategy and action plan will be done through the Performance
Review Committee (Scrutiny).
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