FUNDING OF THE EQUALITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

That this House is deeply concerned that the Government is ignoring the result of its own consultation on the future of the Equality and Human Rights Commission and the majority of respondents who urged against cutting the funding and remit of the body; notes that the 62 per cent budget cut and 72 per cent staff cut on levels in 2007 will result in the loss of vital services and functions including regional offices; further notes that the Bristol and Nottingham offices closed over a year ago, and that further offices planned for closure are Birmingham, Newcastle, Bangor, Guildford, Cambridge and Leeds, and that offices in Manchester, London, Glasgow and Cardiff will be reduced; regrets the closure of the directhelpline with conciliation and legal assistance powers which will be privatised in September 2012 and replaced with a referral line and no provision in Scotland or Wales as there is now; further regrets the end of the grants function to charities or projects that are often the first port of call for victims of discrimination and harassment; warns that the Commission's UN A status is in real jeopardy due to a loss of independence following the new Framework Agreement; regards as contrary and dangerous the decision to repeal crucial sections of the Equality Act 2006 that were secured with cross-party support in this House; and urges the Government urgently to rethink these cuts and commit to maintaining the funding and remit of the body, especially at a time of growing inequality.