Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director Transformation.

Agreed:

RESOLVED that the revised Equality and Diversity Policy be supported; and

RECOMMENDED that Council approve the revised Equality and Diversity Policy.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

The Executive received the report, which sought approval to adopt the revised Equality and Diversity Policy, which had been amended to ensure it considered the

current process relating to the production of Equality Impact Assessments and the recent updates to Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards.

Councillor Oliver, having given notice under Standing Order No. 44, spoke on this item. She made the following points:-

·         the City Council had provided over £320,000 for disabled facilities grants this year including the provision of 60 stair-lifts;

·         have great confidence in the Leader, the Chief Executive & Growth Director and all officers in their commitment to equality and diversity and heartened by the work done on equality impact assessments and thank the Policy Officer for her work in this area;

·         each Councillor has a responsibility to comply with the equality and diversity policy and training is being planned;

·         the tragic death of George Floyd is a reminder to continually question embedded prejudices;

·         the nine protected characteristics that require protection are age, disability, gender, gender re-assignment, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race and religion or belief and Exeter’s policy is exceptional in that it is a policy covering all socio-economic backgrounds;

·         whilst the policy is an exemplar, it is increasingly relevant during the current Covid-19 crisis to ensure that no-one is left behind and to ensure Exeter is a city where everyone has opportunities and is protected from discrimination; and

·         welcome and support the recommendations.

RESOLVED that the revised Equality and Diversity Policy be supported; and

RECOMMENDED that Council approve the revised Equality and Diversity Policy.