Red tape challenge

Strong criticism has been levelled at the equality section of the government’s “red tape challenge” website which is asking the public to comment on cutting unnecessary regulations. The government has said that regulations will be scrapped unless “a very good case is made for them to stay”.

Critics are angry about the different approach taken towards the Equality Act 2010: the website is asking the public if the Act in its entirety should be scrapped, merged, simplified, improved or left as it is, whereas elsewhere on the website the public is only asked to comment on specific regulations.

Women’s campaign group the Fawcett Society has expressed concern pointing out that, without this law, public bodies would have no duty to consider how to eliminate unlawful discrimination.

“The Equality Act is an extremely important piece of law that brings together all pre-existing equality law, including all the provisions enshrined in The Equal Pay Act 1970 and the Sex Discrimination Act 1975,” it said.

It is encouraging people to support the Act by registering their comments on the website — there are now an overwhelming number of responses against making any changes that would undermine the Act. Go to www.redtapechallenge.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/equalities/