Purpose

The Equality Policy 2023-27 was approved by
Cabinet in March 2023. Subsequent to this approval a number of
factors required some minor changes to the policy. These
included;
1. A motion at Council to recognise Care Leaves / Care Experience
as a localised protected characteristic.
2. A request to clarify the definition of sex as a protected
characteristic within the policy.
3. An updated foreword to reflect the change in portfolio holder
(following local elections in May 2023)
4. Reordering of some paragraphs within the document.

Decision

It was agreed in consultation with Cllr Riley
that it was necessary to update the policy.

Reasons - (a) The policy needed to reflect the full suite of
protected characteristics, including those agreed locally.
(b) There was a request from a member of the public for the Council
to be clear with regard to the definition of sex as a protected
characteristic.