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The Equality and Human Rights Commission faces "radical reforms" and will have to prove it is using taxpayers' money wisely, the government has announced.
The EHRC, chaired by Trevor Phillips, survived the coalition's "bonfire of the quangos" but ministers have said they will legislate to make the commission focus on its "core functions" an equalities regulator.
Launching a consultation on its future, home secretary and minister for women and equality Theresa May said the commission had "struggled" to deliver its remit well in the past, with evidence suggesting it can be done better or more cost effectively elsewhere.
The government has said it will legislate to amend the commission's functions, so it can focus on the work "that really matters, where it alone can add value".
At present, the equalities office said there is "vagueness" in the Equality Act, in areas such as the duty to "promote understanding of the importance of equality and diversity".
Details have been published outlining substantial reforms that intent to "correct mistakes of the past and increase transparency, accountability and value for money".
The EHRC, set up in 2007, had a troubled start, with a number of high-profile resignations from its board in 2009 in dispute over the leadership of Phillips.
May said: "It's vital that we have a strong, effective and independent equalities and human rights body, but since its creation the EHRC has struggled to deliver across its remit and demonstrate that it is delivering value for taxpayers' money.
"We want the EHRC to become a valued and respected national institution, championing effective implementation of equality and human rights laws and holding government and others to account for their performance, while delivering maximum value for money for taxpayers. The proposals being published today are intended to make that happen."
The consultation closes on June 15 2011.
Article Comments
Dear all yes all of you, I welcome the day when the EHRC wakes up and feels wood on their elbows.
wattyler 23
23rd Mar 2011 at 6:57 am
Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd
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