Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what plans she has to ensure the effectiveness of the Equalities Hub in tackling discrimination and disadvantage resulting from socio-economic circumstances or geography, which are not covered by the Equality Act 2010.

The Equality Hub is at the heart of Government decision-making in the Cabinet Office, and brings together the Government Equalities Office, the Disability Unit and the Race Disparity Unit. It has a key role in driving Government priorities on equality and opportunity.

The Hub has a particular focus on improving the quality of evidence and data about disparities and the types of barriers different people face, ensuring that fairness is at the heart of everything we do. Key to this is looking beyond a focus solely on the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010, to ensure we understand how different issues interact, including in socio-economic and geographic inequality.

The Equality Hub will be key to driving progress on the Government’s commitment to levelling up opportunity and ensuring fairness for all.