WORK AND FUNDING OF THE EQUALITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

That this House regards as essential the Equality and Human Rights Commission's (EHRC) statutory remit to promote and monitor human rights and to protect, enforce and promote equality; notes that the EHRC budget has been cut in the past two years from 70 million to 53 million; further notes that additional cuts would render the Commission inadequate to enforce the public sector equality duties and equality law; expresses concern that if regional teams are made redundant the Commission will also have to slash its advice services to the public and its essential community work at a time when many groups will be particularly vulnerable; further notes that outsourcing vital frontline services would end the EHRC's vital link to the public and emerging issues in the community, leaving the Commission isolated and distanced from the real concerns experienced by people in their daily lives; urges the Government to maintain the current funding of 53 million so that 30 years of human rights and equality work in the UK is not undone and the Commission is able to carry out all its good work; and calls on the relevant Minister to meet representatives of the Public and Commercial Services Union to discuss the issue.