Issue - decisions

Matter for Decision: To consider the Annual Review of the Council’s Single Equality Scheme (2012 to 2015).

 

Decision of the Leader

 

The Leader resolved to:

 

       i.          Note the progress and achievements during the first year of the City Council’s Single Equality Scheme.

 

     ii.          Approve the actions for the second year of the City Council’s Single Equality Scheme.

 

Reasons for the Decision: As set out in the officer’s report

 

Any alternative options considered and rejected: As set out in the officer’s report

 

Scrutiny Considerations:

 

The committee received a report regarding the Annual Review of the Council’s Single Equality Scheme (2012-2015) presented by the Strategy and Partnerships Manager.

 

The committee made the following comments on the report

 

i.                 The Leader was asked to comment on the quality and robustness of the existing equalities impact assessment (EQIA) process. The Leader explained that the process was under constant evolution and responded to challenges as they arose.

 

ii.               The Leader was questioned on how the Council was proposing to respond to the census results, which indicated a significant increase in the BME and non-white British communities in Cambridge. The suggestion of reviewing the employment targets was welcomed. The Leader welcomed the comments and agreed that the Council would need to review a wide range of issues as more detailed information becomes available through the census process.

 

iii.             Clarification was requested on the reference to 2011 on page 108 of the committee report, and whether it should actually refer to 2001. The error was noted.

 

iv.             Concern was expressed that white minority ethnic groups could be “hidden” in certain statistical approaches.

 

v.              Support was expressed for the suggestion in the Leaders introduction that training should be provided to Councillors on mental health issues.

 

vi.             Concern was expressed that engagement with the limited number of references to traveller communities in the report. It was suggested that members of the community may be resistant to identifying themselves as such due to the risk of discrimination. The committee were advised that Cambridge was an important Romany location, as Midsummers Fair was one of major gathering points for the community during the year. The Strategy and Partnerships Manager welcomed the comments and outlined the range of engagement undertaken across the Council by officer, and agreed that information in the plan could be expanded.

 

vii.           Greater engagement was requested with South Cambridgeshire District Council on gypsy and traveller issues. The Head of Strategic Housing explained that there was already extensive engagement, and that it was hoped to identify suitable sites through the local plan processes in each authority.

 

viii.         The committee also noted the significant engagement undertaken by the City Council with the traveller community in preparation for the Holocaust Memorial Day.

 

ix.             The difficulties in identifying potentially obscured issues in the EQIA process were highlighted. A specific issue with a recent assessment prepared for the Public Toilet Working Party which had not considered any issues regarding gender re-assignment was highlighted. The Strategy and Partnerships Manager acknowledged the concern, and explained the approach taken in the preparation of assessments. The committee were assured that officers were encouraged to seek advice where appropriate in preparing assessments.

 

The Scrutiny Committee considered the recommendation and endorsed it by 4 votes to 0.

 

The Leader approved the recommendation.

 

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Leader (and any Dispensations Granted):

 

Not applicable.