Equality Bill

My Lords, much of this is a consultative process. We have put out our policy statement. I understand that we will publish draft regulations, on which I hope that we will be able to consult well before the summer. However, we are convinced of the need to consult along the way, so all noble Lords will be able to have an input as well as other organisations. I therefore ask the noble Lord to withdraw the amendment in the name of his colleagues. On Amendment 114A, tabled by the noble Lord, Lord Ouseley, and moved by the noble Baroness, Lady Young of Hornsey, I make it clear that regulators and public sector inspectorates are subject to the existing duties and will be to the new one. It may be helpful for me to explain to the Committee how the equality duty will apply to these bodies. We are not suggesting any changes to the regulators and expect the extent to which they have due regard to the existing duties will continue to apply to the new equality duty. The equality duty will apply to the inspection functions of the public sector inspectorates, which means that equality and action taken to advance it should form one of the indicators of performance which inspectorates develop and assess against. If there is insufficient evidence of action being taken to tackle inequality, it can be highlighted. We are clear that inspectorates should not take on the role of enforcing compliance with the duty because they are not resourced or trained to do so. That is the sole responsibility of the Equality and Human Rights Commission. Furthermore, it would be unworkable and confusing to allow two sets of organisations with potentially conflicting views to enforce the duty. However, it is clear that the roles of the inspectorates and the Equality and Human Rights Commission with regard to equality performance by public bodies are complementary. We encourage their work on developing close working relationships; for example, through Memoranda of Understanding. I ask the noble Baroness not to press the amendment.