Single equalities body is a step closer to reality

The government has published legislation to set up the UK's new single equalities body.

The Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR) will merge the functions of existing equality watchdogs the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) and the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) in October 2007, followed by the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) two years later.

It will also take responsibility for the new equality areas of sexual orientation, age, and religion and belief, together with a new duty to promote human rights.

Meanwhile, CRE chair Trevor Phillips is to chair a "root and branch" Equalities Review, to explore "the long-term and underlying causes of disadvantage". The review will report to the prime minister by the summer of 2006, and will work alongside a trade and industry departmental review to modernise Britain's equality laws.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said the review was "excellent news for every victim of discrimination". He added: "It is right that the creation of a new single body to promote equality and counter unfair discrimination should be accompanied by a review of the law that will underpin its work and a clear audit of inequality in Britain today."