Council seeks views on equality scheme (From The Advertiser Series)

Council seeks views on equality scheme

9:00am Friday 26th February 2010

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RESIDENTS across County Durham are asked to share their thoughts on a council’s efforts to treat everyone equally and fairly.

Durham County Council wants feedback on its new equality scheme, which aims to ensure the authority provides jobs and services and makes decisions fairly.

It will replace the current separate plans and places a legal duty on eliminating discrimination and promoting understanding between people regardless of gender, transgender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion and belief.

Kay Winter, principal equality and diversity officer, said: “We want to make Durham a fairer place for everyone, so I really hope people from many different backgrounds and communities will come along and help us make a difference with our new equality plan.

“It will affect everyone who lives or works in County Durham as well as visitors so the more involvement we have from the public, the better our final plan will be.”

Consultation already includes the County Durham Faiths Network, Disability Partnership, Age Concern and Gay Advice Durham and Darlington. Public events are open to anyone with an interest and the authority particularly wants input from those people with disabilities.

Consultation events will take place on March 30 at Consett Civic Hall, 11am to 3pm; April 26 at County Hall, Durham, 11am to 3pm. Space is limited and lunch will be provided so places must be booked by Monday, March 15.

People can also take part online at www.durham.gov.uk, email equalities@durham. gov.

uk, call 0191-3834207 or write to Equality & Diversity Team, room 4/10, Durham County Council, County Hall, Durham, DH1 5UF.

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