The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has asked the Government to demonstrate that it has met its legal obligations to consider the effect of budget cuts on particular people. The EHRC has stated that its aim is to ensure that decision-makers come to their judgements based on the best information available, and that these decisions are in line with the Government’s statements that such decisions should be evidence-based, fair and transparent. The Government’s emergency Budget, released in June, outlined a number of cuts and included proposals to introduce a new test for the Disability Living Allowance.

Neil Kinghan, Director General of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: ‘Under equality legislation, the Treasury, like all public bodies, has a legal duty to pay “due regard” to equality and consider any disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups when making decisions, including decisions about the budget.’

He added: ‘When the Spending Review was announced in June, the Commission wrote to government departments, including the Treasury, asking for reassurance that they would comply with the legislation and issuing guidance to help them to do this. It is for the Treasury to demonstrate that it has complied with the legislation and assessed the impact of its decisions on vulnerable groups. If it cannot do so, then the Commission will have to consider appropriate enforcement action.’

Methods of enforcement available to the EHRC include inquiries, assessments to test compliance with public sector duties and formal agreement with individuals it believes has committed an unlawful act, which involves putting in place an action plan.

For further information, visit the EHRC website
http://tinyurl.com/ehrc-budget