Single equality body to spur on debate locally

The debate into creating a Single Equality Body, which would fight discrimination against race, age, gender, sexual orientation and disability, was launched at the annual general meeting of Worcestershire Racial Equality Council.

While the idea of a single equality body is being considered in Westminster, the Racial Equality Council has teamed up with Worcestershire County Council, West Mercia Constabulary and Worcester Local Strategic Partnership Board to form a working group to spur on the debate locally.

A Single Equality Body would improve the lives of people in Worcester, said Rob Skyes, chief executive of Worcester County Council, at last night's meeting, adding the debate would tackle the "warnings and risks" of such a scheme.

Participate

"We are not launching the strategy but we are launching the local debate and we want everyone to participate in that debate," he said.

"Worcester is at the forefront in setting the ball rolling," said Andrew Housley, Midlands director of councils for racial equality.

But he said the earliest any such single body could be created would be 2006/2007.

A community profile, which collates and evaluates the current information about the needs of black and ethnic minority community's needs in Worcestershire, was also presented at last night's meeting.

Mr Housely praised the profile saying it was essential to public authorities and employers to manage their jobs properly.

Chairman of Worcester Racial Equality Council Dan Wicksteed praised the work of Mohammed Aslam and his team at the council's centre in Worcester, as highlighted in the annual report presented at the meeting.

Mr Aslam said the year had seen both triumphs and disappointments for the council and expressed his support for the Single equalities body.

He said the council works in partnership with authorities and employers to combat inequality rather than "wielding a stick" and taking them to tribunals.