The Portfolio Holder for Customer and Localities, Councillor Michael Bannister, approved the commencement of a public consultation on the proposed decommissioning of the Council's Equalities Service. This decision was made following a discussion where various councillors and a public speaker voiced concerns about the potential impact of ending the service.

Consultation on Decommissioning the Equalities Service

Councillor Michael Bannister, the Portfolio Holder for Customer and Localities, approved the commencement of a public consultation regarding the potential decommissioning of Warwickshire County Council's Equalities Service, currently provided by the Equality and Inclusion Partnership (EQuIP). This decision, detailed in the Public minutes Friday 22 May 2026, means that the council will now seek public and stakeholder views on whether to cease externally commissioning this service, which provides advice and support on issues related to discrimination, hate crime, and community cohesion.

The report presented to the Portfolio Holder, as outlined in the Public reports pack Friday 22 May 2026, highlighted that the current contract for EQuIP costs £135,372 annually and is due to end on 31 March 2027. The proposal to cease commissioning the service stems from the Council's financial pressures and a re-evaluation of priorities, with the service being classified as discretionary.

During the meeting, Mr Daniel Browne, a public speaker, emphasised the vital role of EQuIP in supporting minority communities, addressing hate crime and discrimination, and assisting refugees, asylum seekers, and people with disabilities. He stressed the importance of continued support for these groups.

Several councillors expressed concerns. Councillor Tracey Drew sought assurance that a core equalities service would continue to be commissioned, warning of potential reputational damage and the impact on residents, noting that equality and diversity are fundamental to professional practice. Councillor Sarah Boad questioned the timing of the consultation, highlighting the Council's duties under the Equality Act 2010, which mandates public bodies to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations. Councillor Nicki Scott raised concerns about the consultation's accessibility, particularly for digitally disadvantaged users, and the lack of detail on cost efficiencies. Councillor Jennifer McAllister stated she did not support consulting on ending the service, pointing out that the report identified no performance issues and that the service supports vulnerable residents. Councillor Sarah Feeney also voiced her opposition to consulting on the closure, emphasising the service's value to residents and its role in community cohesion and hate crime prevention.

Councillor Bannister clarified that the decision was solely to approve the consultation, not to predetermine the future of EQuIP. He explained that the proposal was a response to financial pressures and a review of service delivery, and that no final decision would be made until all consultation responses were considered. He authorised officers to proceed with the consultation exercise, with the findings to be reported back to Cabinet for a final decision. The consultation is planned to last 16 weeks, starting in June 2026.