To consider the above report

Members considered a revised Equality Policy. Councillor Targowska explained that the council had a statutory responsibility under the Equality Act 2010 to publish equality objectives at least every four years and information to demonstrate compliance with the Equality Duty on an annual basis. Implementation was monitored by an annual report, and a six monthly update on progress against objectives to the Principal Member and Senior Management Team and Access Advisory Forum. In addition, Employment Panel would also receive an annual update in terms of council staff.

Councillor E Wilson commented that the definition of anti-Semitism was important but had not actually been included in the policy and he asked if this could be included. It was also important to ensure people remembered the Holocaust and children were educated so that there could be no denying it occurred. He asked what activities the council planned in remembrance?

Councillor Saunders stated that he was pleased to support the recommendations in the report, which was not simply an administrative report.  The duties of councils in section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 were there to protect and advance equality for all protected groups who had experienced unwelcome, degrading and offensive prejudice.  The duty extends to all those exercising a public function, including all Members and all officers, contractors and partners.  It provided the opportunity for those who were elderly, with disabilities, expecting a baby, with gender ambiguity, with religious or other beliefs, of any race or ethnic origin, any gender or any sexual orientation, to reasonably expect that they could go about their lives, and in their dealings with the council, free from discrimination, harassment or victimisation.  The council’s duties and those of Members were clear and extended into all aspects of  public service, including, but not exclusively, in how the council managed its premises, recruited and employed, educated children and mature learners, made appointments, funded organisations and licenced taxis.  Each of these areas were spelled out in the law.  Each borough team and partner should reflect with care on the council’s duties and satisfy themselves that those duties were clear, understood and alive.

Councillor M. Airey expressed concern at the enduring presence of anti-Semitism in local and national government and the lack of action by the Labour Party leadership. Councillor Airey was proud to be part of a political party in which Jews had a home, particularly as he had lost relatives at Auschwitz.  The IHRA definition included some examples of modern-day anti-Semitism including denying Jewish people the right to self-determination by claiming the existence of the state of Israel was a racist endeavour and accusing the Jews as a people or the state of Israel of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust. It seemed in 2018 Britain was still grappling the issues that should have been finished in the Second World War. He hoped the council would promote action against anti-Semitism including Holocaust remembrance and reinforcing the Jewish people’s right to self-determination in the state of Israel.

It was proposed by Councillor Targowska, seconded by Councillor E Wilson and:

RESOLVED UNANMOUSLY: That Councilnotes the report and:

i)             Approves the draft Equality Policy, see Appendix A.

ii)            Approves the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of anti-Semitism, see point 3.5.