Skip navigation | Skip to footer
 

Equality and Human Rights Commission's Triennial Review

12 February 2010

Introduction

Download fileTriennial Review (Adobe Acrobat Document 110kb)

In 2008/09 bureaux in England and Wales advised 1.93 million people about over 6 million new enquiries in total. Of these, over 25,000 concerned discrimination issues. In the first three quarters of 2009/10 bureaux have dealt with over 20,000 new discrimination issues.

Bureaux are acutely aware of inequalities: they are right at the heart of their communities, their services are for everybody and all bureaux aim to be a first point of contact for advice on discrimination issues. In 2008/09, 21 per cent of CAB clients were disabled or had long-term health problems and 15 per cent were from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities. Our research has found that single parents, disabled people, people with a long term health condition, and people on means-tested benefit are more likely to have used a CAB than others. Many bureaux also provide services tailored to specific groups, such as people with mental health problems, ex-offenders, people with HIV, travelers, carers and older people.

We also work with the Equality and Human Rights Commission as a strategic partner in tackling inequality and discrimination. We therefore welcome the opportunity to submit our evidence to the Triennial Review and contribute to shaping the equalities agenda of the future. This review is also very timely as research on the impacts of the recession is beginning to suggest long term implications towards increased levels of inequality. Indeed almost every index and indicator – income, property, health and longevity, educational and occupational achievement – reveals a less equal society than at any other point in modern times.

Download fileTriennial Review (Adobe Acrobat Document 110kb)