Rochdale Council asked to play its part in making the UK less unequal

Councillor Billy Sheerin explains Rochdale Council meets its obligations under the Equality Act 2010

The Equality Trust is calling on council's to help tackle inequality by signing up to 'The Fairness Four' actions. 

A spokesperson said: "The UK is one of the most unequal countries in the developed world. This inequality harms us all. Local and regional government can play a major role in tackling this inequality."

The Fairness Four are:

1. Evaluate the likely impact of council policies on socio-economic inequality.
2. Pay all directly contracted staff the real Living Wage (as set by the Living Wage Foundation).
3. Ensure all council contractors are required to pay staff the real Living Wage.
4. Publish a plan to reduce the pay ratio between the CEO and the lowest-paid directly employed council worker.

Asked if Rochdale Borough Council would sign up to the The Fairness Four, Councillor Billy Sheerin said: "The Council has adopted the equality objective of ‘promoting equality by knowing our diverse community and understanding its changing needs.’ This means that before important decisions are made, the Council undertakes an assessment to ensure that the impact of our policies meet our obligations under the Equality Act 2010.

"We were also one of the first councils in the country to consider the impact of policy changes on ex-service personnel and those with caring responsibilities, who are recognised as being at risk of disadvantage.

"The Council is also progressing a number of initiatives which will provide support to residents of the borough to enable them to develop their potential. For example, we are currently looking to engage with communities to develop innovative approaches including providing job and skills information and advice in settings like community centres, schools, and libraries to enable us to tailor support to the needs of an increasingly diverse community.

"In 2013, before the introduction of a national living wage, the Council made a commitment to pay a Local Living Wage, which is reviewed annually. Most recently it was increased to £8.45 with effect from 1 April 2017, which is consistent with the recommendations of the Rowntree Foundation Living Wage. About 1,500 employees – mainly cleaners and teaching assistants – will benefit from the latest increase. Where possible, we look to encourage external suppliers and providers to back the Living Wage, as well as requiring Council contracts to include an obligation to pay the National Living Wage.

"The Council publishes an annual Pay Policy Statement which details the pay ratio between the Chief Executive and the lowest-paid Council worker. At one to 5.91, the ratio is significantly lower than that recommended by the Hutton report. We are proud of the fact that as a Council we are doing more than most large organisations in the public or private sectors to play our part in making the borough of Rochdale a fairer play to live and work, by raising aspirations and driving economic growth."

https://equalitytrust.eaction.org.uk/lobby/fairness4