Race equality

Background to Race Relations

The Stephen Lawrence Inquiry has been an important influence on the approach to race equality. The Race Relations (Amendment) Act which came into force on 2 April 2001 places new duties on the City Council to:

• assess which of its functions are important under the general duty to promote racial equality and reduce racial discrimination
• consider the racial equality impact of these functions (not just whether they are operating fairly)
• examine the levels of potential or actual racial discrimination, prejudice and harassment faced by Black and minority ethnic staff and residents

Westminster City Council works to implement various Best Value indicators including:

• The number of Black and minority ethnic staff employed by the council
• Which level of the Equality Standard the council/department has achieved
• The levels of customer satisfaction/complaints amongst Black and minority ethnic people