Public authorities in Wales have a duty to reduce inequality

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Public authorities in Wales have a duty to reduce inequality

Key Contact: Claire Knowles

Author: Daniel Evans

The Welsh Government has confirmed that Welsh Ministers, county councils, local health boards, NHS Trusts, fire and rescue authorities, National Park authorities, and the Welsh Revenue Authority are the public authorities who will be subject to the socio-economic duty provided in Section 1 Equality Act 2010.

The duty requires these authorities to reduce socio-economic disadvantage when setting long-term strategic decisions.

What is expected from public authorities?

The duty will require the public authorities to challenge and scrutinise proposals in light of socio-economic inequalities. Public authorities will be expected to consider evidence and actively consult and engage with those that are disadvantaged to deliver strategic decisions which actively reduce inequality in Wales.

Comment

Any individual or group can initiate judicial review proceedings if it believes a public authority has failed to reduce socio-economic disadvantage when making strategic decisions. It is therefore essential that public authorities retain a clear audit trail to demonstrate what evidence it has considered, and how it has actively consulted and engaged with disadvantaged groups. Without a clear audit trail that demonstrates its compliance with this duty, the authority will be on the backfoot if it is subject to a judicial review.

For more information on the topics covered, contact our Employment Team today.

Talk to the Employment Team

Recent Posts

Astutis Limited Wilmington plc
Acuity Advises Astutis
November 30, 2023
Sara Jetten
Quickfire Questions With… Future Trainee Sara Jetten
November 29, 2023
Smooth CEO/Board Relations
Drama-Free Corporate Governance: Best Practices for Smooth CEO/Board Relations
November 29, 2023
Ofsted Implements Changes To Post-Inspection Process After Public Consultation
November 28, 2023
advising
Acuity Law Advises On Sale Of Travel House To Hays Travel
November 28, 2023
Spotlight On… Sabina Kauser
November 24, 2023

Archives

Categories

Skip to content