Equalities watchdog issues guidance for local authorities on making “better investment decisions”

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has published new guidance for local and combined authorities across England, to support them in making “better investment decisions that can advance equality of opportunity”.

The guidance provides a “clear pathway” to ensure that future local economic policies can help “narrow inequalities” for different groups that live in their regions, the EHRC said.

It added: “This is particularly important for groups with protected characteristics such as disabled people or women, who tend to live in greater levels of poverty or have higher levels of economic inactivity.”

The guidance follows previous EHRC interventions in Scotland & Wales from 2018 to 2022, and current work with combined authorities in England.

“[The interventions] led to the authorities we worked with making robust changes, such as £2bn worth of community benefits now being put towards developing skills in Greater Glasgow”, said the watchdog.

The guidance will offer practical hints and tips, and examples of good practice for decision makers to follow.

Baroness Kishwer Falkner, Chairwoman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission said: “The launch of this guidance will be instrumental in lowering the economic gap between different groups, and will be providing clear, accessible information that will help put equality firmly into the spotlight for local authorities.

“New funding streams for local government and combined authorities are presenting major new opportunities to regenerate our towns and cities and regrow our economy.

“However, not everyone is starting from the same base, and we at the EHRC hope that with this guide, the playing field can be levelled.

“Building on our previous work, we hope to work closely with local authorities to help advance equality of opportunity.”

Lottie Winson