Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government why they have not bought into force section 1 of the Equality Act 2010; and whether they will now do so following recommendations by the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

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 the Government has no plans to commence in England.

We believe that specific programmes designed to address social mobility problems in particular areas will be a more effective approach than blanket and potentially burdensome legislation of this type.