Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what representations she has received on how section 106 of the Equality Act 2010 could be implemented; and if she will make a statement.

We have received a number of representations regarding section 106, as we have for other uncommenced provisions from the Equality Act 2010, and we continue to keep these provisions under review. Equality is never a one-time fix and it is right that we should keep re-examining the issues.

This Parliament is the most gender and LGBT diverse ever, but there is still more to do. Political parties are responsible for their candidate selection and should lead the way in improving women’s representation. Many are already doing so.

The Government’s Suffrage Centenary Fund is supporting a number of projects that aim to increase women’s participation in politics, and earlier this year we announced funding for disabled candidates to meet the costs of campaigning, primarily for the forthcoming English local elections in 2019.