Agenda item

The contents were noted and the 2024-25 Annual Report, Equality Plan 2024-28, was approved.

The report was presented by Cllr Llio Elenid Owen

DECISION

The report was accepted.

DISCUSSION

The report was presented stating that this was the first annual report of the Equality Scheme 2024-2028.

It was explained that the report set out the progress that had been made against the 5 equality objectives set out in the report, which would be a priority for the Council throughout the duration of the Plan.

There was pride in the fact that most of the work earmarked for the period had been completed, and any work outstanding would be carried out this year.

Some of the main points of the report were highlighted:

·       It was mentioned that the Council had received a level 2 accreditation of the Disability Confident Scheme and was now working towards level 3.

·       It was noted that a Staff Equality Forum had been initiated so that staff could contribute and give views on equality issues within their employment.

·       It was highlighted that training was being delivered to staff and elected members on neurodiversity. It was added that the numbers of staff completing the mandatory training were now available to the members, and priority areas for training had been identified so work to organise training in the other equality areas was underway.  

·       It was disclosed that the Housing and Property Department had been gathering information through the Ardal Ni corporate survey, maximising the number of affordable housing and providing support to increase housing efficiency. It was reiterated that procedures had been streamlined so that it was easier for people to access housing support grant and the social housing system.

·       It was noted that actions had been put in place for schools through the analysis of the 'The Cost of Attending School' Charter, looking at the financial and emotional cost for children to attend school.

·       A Communications and Engagement Co-ordinator had been appointed to establish effective procedures to obtain the input of children and young people, through school councils and forums, ensuring action was taken on the pupil's voice, regardless of their protected characteristics and needs.

It was explained that several different departments across the Council had been involved in producing the Plan, which had contributed to its success. 

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       Thanks were given for the report, and pride was expressed to see a focus being placed on engaging with communities and listening to the voices of the county's young people.

·       A question was raised about the response stemming from the Staff Equality Forum. It was confirmed that there had been one meeting so far, and that the intention was to build on this.

·       The Housing and Property Department's contribution to the plan was mentioned and attention was drawn to the fact that the One Stop Shop was now open. It was noted that this would widen public access to housing services which would ultimately promote equality.

·       The importance of continuity in the Council's commitment to equality was emphasised. The excellent work carried out by the autism team was also mentioned. Pride was expressed that Gwynedd was an Age Friendly Authority designated by the World Health Organisation, and that this scheme confirmed the Council's commitment to that designation.

·       It was reiterated that it was essential for the Cabinet to always consider equality in its decisions.

·       It was highlighted that 18 equality-related complaints were identified in the report, 7 of which were genuine complaints; it was asked how this information was being used to improve services. It was noted that 'access' had been identified as a pattern in these complaints, and it was added that it was already a topic within the Plan and that the problem areas had been identified and were being addressed.

There was talk of placing an additional focus within the Women in Leadership project on women from ethnic minority backgrounds and those with disabilities, for example. It was confirmed that this matter was already being addressed within Objective 1 of the Plan.