Agenda item

This report sets out a proposal for the council to formally adopt the Socio-Economic Duty (SED) as part of its commitment to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

Cabinet RESOLVED to Approve the Council’s formal adoption of the socio-economic duty.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 24 November 25

Councillor Mili Patel (as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources) introduced a report from the Chief Executive setting out proposals for the Council to formally adopt the Socio-Economic Duty (SED) as part of its commitment to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

In presenting the report, Councillor Mili Patel began by outlining the way in which the proposed adoption of the Socio-Economic Duty would represent another significant step forward in demonstrating the Council’s commitment to the integration of EDI considerations as part of its decision-making processes.  As additional background and context, members were advised that the socio-economic duty had been included as part of the previous Labour Government’s introduction of the Equality Act in 2010 and required public bodies to include transparent and effective measures designed to address inequalities when making decisions about how they delivered services and functions in order to ensure that no-one suffered as a result of their socio-economic circumstances.

Despite not being mandated under the subsequent coalition and Conservative governments, pride was expressed that the Council had been implementing the principles for some time, with the decision now being sought designed to ensure that the approach and those values were formally embedded in the framework of the Council, supported by a revised Equalities Impact Assessment process in order to ensure that decisions being made continued to be informed by a clear understanding of the impact on the lives of local residents.  In thanking everyone who has contributed to the development of the refreshed approach, including Councillor Donnelly-Jackson for her support in originally initiating the process, along with the EDI team and colleagues who provided invaluable feedback during its development, Councillor Mili Patel ended her introduction by highlighting the aim to deliver a fairer and more compassionate approach in seeking to strengthen the Council’s response to the root causes of inequality that were still felt to exist across the borough and provide every resident with the opportunity to thrive.

In welcoming and supporting the approach outlined within the report towards adoption of the duty, Councillor Donnelly-Jackson took the opportunity (highlighting her own personal experience and having originally advocated for the process) to also thank those involved in its delivery, which it was felt would represent a landmark milestone for the borough.  Highlighting the extent of the challenges faced across the borough in seeking to address the impact of poverty, financial exclusion and the cost-of-living crisis, it was felt adoption of the duty would provide a lasting legacy in deepening the Council’s ability to tackle the root causes of inequality still being experienced in Brent.

Members were also keen acknowledge the wider links adoption of the duty would have in relation to the work and findings of the Poverty Commission, Borough Plan and EDI Strategy recognising the impact which the inclusion of socio-economic disadvantage as a key consideration in the Council’s strategic decision-making process would have in terms of it being treated as equivalent to a protected characteristic.  In recognising the way this would require the impact of proposals on those experiencing poverty (including children and young people), financial exclusion or housing insecurity to be assessed and reflected within Equality Impact Assessments and service design, members welcomed how it was felt this would enable the rights and needs of those most disadvantaged to be embedded within the culture of the organisation, reflecting strong leadership ahead of anticipated wider national legislation.

In support of the approach outlined and recognition that socio-economic disadvantage also represented a significant driver of inequality Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the Council’s formal adoption of the socio-economic duty, on the basis outlined within the report.