Liberal Democrats criticise Surrey County Council’s lack of transparency

Surrey County Council has a statutory duty to publicise the equalities and diversity profile of its workforce annually, at a minimum, as per The Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) Regulations 2011*. Unfortunately Surrey County Council have failed to do so.

The Council last publicised these statistics on its website in February 2016 - over 3 years ago now. This is why Fiona White has submitted a question for the Cabinet meeting taking place on Tuesday 30th April to find out why.

As well as the long-overdue equalities and diversity profile of Surrey County Council's workforce, the Council has also more recently failed to publicise statistics about the workforce Gender Pay Gap which was due to be published at the end of March 2019.

Cllr Fiona White, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats at Surrey County Council, said:
"The fact that the Council have failed to publish vital statistics such as these just highlights the lack of transparency within Surrey County Council. It doesn't promise an equal and diverse workplace when the statistics are hidden from the public.

"I am disappointed in the Council for failing on their statutory duty to publicise these statistics, especially as promoting equality and diversity is something close to my heart as a core value of the Liberal Democrat Party. We can only hope that moving forward the Council becomes more transparent and accountable to residents by publishing in a timely manner."

NOTES
* http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/2260/regulation/2/made