Legislation
Our aim is to work towards creating a fairer society, improving public services, addressing deep-rooted inequalities in order to improve people’s lives.
The Equality Act 2010 provides legal protection in society and the workplace if you experience discrimination because of any of the following protected characteristics:
- age
- disability
- gender re-assignment
- marriage and civil partnership
- pregnancy and maternity
- race
- religion and belief
- sex
- sexual orientation
Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED)
The Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED), which is included in the Equality Act 2010, says that public bodies must aim to:
- eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation
- advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.
- foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not
Supreme Court ruling on the meaning of sex in the Equality Act
Following the UK Supreme Court ruling in April 2025 on the meaning of sex in the Equality Act, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) consulted on proposed changes to relevant parts of its Code of Practice for services, public functions and associations (including councils).
The Code provides formal guidance to organisations in relation to their duties under the Equality Act 2010 and how to put them into practice. It has legal standing under the Equality Act 2006.
Following the publication of the revised Code of Practice, the Local Government Association (LGA) will provide any additional clarity and guidance that councils require.
We will review our relevant policies in accordance with the revised Code of Practice and LGA guidance when these are available.
