Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what plans she has to enforce Section 1 of the Equality Act 2010 for Local Authorities.

This Government is committed to creating a country that works for everyone, where success is based on merit, not privilege, and where everyone has the chance to go as far as their talents and hard work will take them. That is why the Government has in place a number of strategies to address social mobility and improve outcomes for those who experience disadvantage.

Section 1 of the Equality Act 2010 is the public sector duty regarding socio-economic inequalities, which has not been commenced. The Government has no plans to commence or enforce the duty because we believe that specific programmes designed to address social mobility problems in particular areas will be a more effective approach than blanket legislation of this type.