Leeds City Council is committed to enhancing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) to tackle poverty and inequality, updating its Equality Improvement Priorities and recognizing care-experienced individuals as a local protected group. A key focus is on developing a cohesion strategy influenced by public feedback to unite communities and promote intercultural growth, reflecting the council’s dedication to fostering a fair and prosperous environment in Leeds.
What is Leeds City Council’s approach to tackling poverty and inequality?
Leeds City Council is dedicated to enhancing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) to combat poverty and inequality. The council has updated its Equality Improvement Priorities, recognized care-experienced individuals as a local protected group, and is developing a cohesion strategy influenced by public feedback to unite communities and promote intercultural growth.
Council’s Renewed Focus on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Leeds City Council’s executive board convened this week to address a pressing issue: the persistent challenge of poverty and inequality within the city. A major topic on the agenda was the annual report on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), a document reflecting on achievements and setting forth the council’s aspirations. The council, led by senior councillors, has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing EDI as a potent tool against poverty. Acknowledging the intersection between protected characteristics, as defined by the Equality Act of 2010, and poverty, the council recognises the vital role of EDI in fostering a fair and prosperous community.
The executive board approved several updates to the council’s Equality Improvement Priorities (EIP), signifying a major step towards tangible changes. Among these priorities, the council has committed to addressing poverty head-on, understanding its disproportionate impact on individuals with protected characteristics. Additionally, the concept of ‘care experienced’ individuals has been given local protected status, bringing to the fore the diverse needs and challenges faced by those in and out of the care system. This move illustrates the council’s acknowledgment of the unique contributions and circumstances of every community member.
Further updates focus on the recovery and transition from the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact. Emphasis is placed on supporting carers and pivoting toward establishing Leeds as a Carer Friendly City. This includes bolstering networks and equality hubs, thereby amplifying the voices of children, young people, and carers in important decision-making processes. Such efforts are indicative of the council’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where all can thrive.
Strategising for Cohesion and Intercultural Growth
The council’s report also outlines ambitious plans for crafting a new cohesion strategy for Leeds. This strategy aims to unite various stakeholders and agendas, building on the foundation laid by the Intercultural Cities Programme. A nod to the successful visit from the Council of Europe in 2022, which praised Leeds for its strides towards becoming an Intercultural City, further cements the council’s commitment to this cause. The strategy’s development will be influenced by the feedback from the public survey conducted last year, shedding light on the barriers to relationships between diverse communities and brainstorming ways to eliminate them.
Public surveys have highlighted the challenges faced by individuals from different backgrounds in forming meaningful connections. This feedback is crucial in understanding and subsequently dismantling the barriers that hinder inter-community relationships. The strategy will also reflect continuous consultations with community groups, focus groups, stakeholders, partners, and young people. These discussions are pivotal in shaping a strategy that is both representative and effective, ensuring that the tapestry of Leeds’ communities is woven ever more tightly.
Leeds’ commitment to becoming an Intercultural City is not merely aspirational but is underscored by concrete action and community involvement. By tapping into the rich insights provided by residents, the city is poised to create a framework that not only acknowledges cultural diversity but actively celebrates and integrates it into the fabric of daily life.
Leeds City Council’s Drive for an Inclusive Future
Councillor Fiona Venner, Leeds City Council’s executive member for equality, health and wellbeing, expressed optimism and determination in her statement regarding the report. She acknowledged the encouraging progress made in embedding EDI within the city’s framework but emphasised the need to accelerate efforts. “This report reflecting the work undertaken in Leeds to put equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything we do is really encouraging,” said Councillor Venner, “but now we want to go further and step up another gear to tackle poverty and inequality and ensure every person in every community in the city can live together in harmony and enjoy the best lives possible.”
Councillor Venner also underscored the excitement surrounding the development of a new cohesion strategy and the importance of its role in guiding the city’s future direction. The formal recognition of care-experienced individuals as a protected characteristic resonates with her vision for a city that values and supports all its members. “It is very pleasing that care-experienced people are now officially recognised in Leeds as a protected characteristic, reflecting the incredible and invaluable role they have in our city,” she remarked.
For those interested in the detailed deliberations and decisions of the executive board meeting, the annual report and supporting appendices are available for public viewing at Council and democracy (leeds.gov.uk) (agenda item 18). Additional information on the Intercultural Cities Programme can be found at Intercultural Cities – Home – Intercultural cities programme (coe.int).
For media enquiries, please get in touch with Leeds City Council communications and marketing via email at communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk or by phone at 0113 378 6007.
- Leeds City Council is committed to enhancing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) to tackle poverty and inequality, updating its Equality Improvement Priorities and recognizing care-experienced individuals as a local protected group.
- The council’s executive board has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing EDI to combat poverty, acknowledging the vital role of EDI in fostering a fair and prosperous community.
- Updates to the council’s Equality Improvement Priorities include addressing poverty, recognizing care-experienced individuals as a protected group, and supporting the transition from the Covid-19 pandemic.
- The council is developing a new cohesion strategy for Leeds influenced by public feedback to unite communities and promote intercultural growth.
- Councillor Fiona Venner expressed optimism for the future, emphasizing the need to tackle poverty and inequality while ensuring every person in Leeds can live together in harmony.