Government outlines plans to refocus EHRC on regulatory role

The government has published proposals to refocus the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) towards its regulatory role while stopping many of its “non-core” activities.

The government said that the reforms, which will require an amendment to the Equality Act 2006, aimed to “increase the transparency, accountability and value for money” of the EHRC.

“One of the causes of the Commission's difficulties was the breadth of its remit - extending beyond its core role to, for example, operating a helpline and grants programme,” the government said. “The Commission has struggled to do these things well in the past, so we have decided that we should not fund it to do them in the future. The evidence suggests that this work could be done better or more cost-effectively by others.”

“This will allow the EHRC to focus on the work that really matters, where it alone can add value. At present, vagueness in the Equality Act, for example, the duty to "promote understanding of the importance of equality and diversity" has led to the EHRC undertaking a wide range of activities that are not regulatory in nature, including running summer camps for young people.”

The government's plans also include introducing a legal requirement for the EHRC to publish an annual business plan in Parliament and the introduction of financial penalties for Commissioners should they “fail to spend taxpayers money wisely.”

Launching the reforms, the Home Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities Theresa May said that they would create “a stronger, more focussed and more efficient organisation”.

She said: "It's vital that we have a strong, effective and independent equalities and human rights body, but since its creation the EHRC has struggled to deliver across its remit and demonstrate that it is delivering value for taxpayers' money. We want the EHRC to become a valued and respected national institution, championing effective implementation of equality and human rights laws and holding government and others to account for their performance, while delivering maximum value for money for taxpayers.”

In response, the chair of the EHRC, Trevor Phillips, said: “The Commission began its own review of its role and focus around 18 months ago, before the review of non-departmental bodies by government. We are already talking to our stakeholders about our vision for the Commission’s future and will continue to do so during this consultation and beyond.

“Our priorities reflect changes in the equality landscape and the evidence we have been gathering about where our work is most needed, such as those identified in our review of equality 'How Fair is Britain'. We are confident that this will allow us to deliver maximum impact and value for public money.

“We plan to respond quickly to this consultation on our powers and duties so that other organisations are aware of our view of our future. While it is too soon to comment on the Government's proposals in detail, we are concerned that the removal of our good relations mandate may prevent us from being able to do many practical things at a time when community relations are under particular strain.

"A critical aspect in our move to becoming an effective, high-impact regulator will be updating our approach to threats to equality such as the English Defence League. Now is the moment for us to focus and intensify our efforts in this area, not to abandon them."

The consultation on the proposals closes on 15 June 2011.

A copy of the full proposals and consultation document is available for download by clicking on the following link: EHRCReforms