Public Expenditure
6th December 2010
Dr Francis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he took to ensure that the outcomes of the comprehensive spending review were compliant with the (a) Human Rights Act 1998 and (b) Equality Act 2010; and if he will make a statement.
Danny Alexander: The Treasury takes equalities matters very seriously. Policy makers are aware that all policies have to be Human Rights Act compliant and legal advice will be sought where there are concerns. In addition, where a measure resulting from the spending review requires primary legislation it will be accompanied by a statement under section 19 of the Act as to compatibility.
There are currently statutory obligations on Government Departments to have regard to promoting equality in regard to gender, race and disability when considering policy changes.
The 2010 Equality Act does not fully come into force until April 2011.
Whether or not a full equality impact assessment will be carried out in any case depends on the likely impact of a proposed policy on members of the relevant groups of people and whether it would be proportionate and possible to do so.
On 20 October 2010 the Treasury published an overview of the impact of the spending review on groups protected by equalities legislation.
However, the Treasury does not dictate the details of how other Departments will live within their settlements-this will be for Departments to decide themselves. Other Government Departments will ensure that equality and human rights considerations are taken into account when these decisions are made. Decisions about the publication of Equality Impact Assessments are also for individual Departments to make.
With regard to its own spending, the Treasury will ensure that equalities are taken into account as policies are developed following the spending review, in line with its legal obligations.
