Equality and Human Rights Commission reform

The role of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is to be “radically reformed” following the government’s spending review. The EHRC is facing cuts of around 55% to its budget — 15% announced following the June budget plus a further 40% in the recent spending review.

According to the Government Equalities Office, which sponsors the EHRC, reform means that the body will now concentrate on its key role as a regulator. Ministers are also considering transferring some of EHRC’s functions and services to government departments or having them contracted out to private or voluntary sector bodies.

It is expected that many of the posts dealing directly with the public will disappear with the EHRC’s helpline and regional programme expected to go. Commentators have voiced concern that if the EHRC no longer has a direct link to the public that it will become increasingly isolated and less able to react to emerging problems.