The Red Tape challenge

The government are consulting as to whether to scrap the Equality Act of 2010. They are arguing that there is too much 'red tape' in this legislation and want to hear your views on whether it should be scrapped or not.

I URGE you to write and tell them not to scrap the Equality Act. Part of me thinks they just want to scrap it because they got caught out not following it with the emergency budget. It is such nonsense to get rid of legislation that, although is not perfect, does a lot to protect us from discrimination and asks public bodies to consider the impact on equality when they make decisions. It is a vital piece of legislation for protecting the rights of all of us.

You can leave your comments here:
http://www.redtapechallenge.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/equalities/comment-page-37/#comment-6533

Here's mine:

The equalities act offers people across the UK protection from discrimination. It replaced legislation that was confusing and long-winded.

We do not live in a perfect world. Unfortunately, discrimination still exists. Women still get paid less than men in the workplace, for example. Gay people, trans people, BME people, disabled people and women still find themselves subject to hate crimes, verbal abuse and legal discrimination because of who they are. Until this changes, which is a long way away, we need the Equalities Act.

This government is, of course, guilty of not following the letter of the equalities act. For this reason, the emergency budget of July hit women unfairly. 70% of the money 'raised' by the budget came out of women's purses. You may say the equalities act is a difficult piece of bureaucracy. I say, when followed, it protects us from decisions that harm. It asks you to make decisions having looked at and examined its impact on equality.

This can only be a good thing. Why should public bodies ignore the rights and needs of various groups? What is the purpose in not considering the impact on equality?

It makes the UK a fairer place for everyone to live. It protects the individual and groups of people from discrimination and harm. It means that everyone, everyone in the UK is treated with respect.

It is categorically NOT unnecessary red tape.