Reform UK-led Staffordshire County Council has published a position paper setting out plans to remove equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) frameworks from the local authority.
The paper, titled Equality Before the Council, proposes scrapping EDI training modules, disbanding identity-based staff networks, ending diversity-related branding and campaigns, and resetting recruitment practices to focus on merit. A full audit of existing EDI policies across the council is also planned.
The council says existing training will be replaced with guidance focused solely on compliance with the Equality Act 2010.
Reform UK Deputy Leader Richard Tice MP described it as ‘decisive action’ and said the paper would serve as a blueprint for other Reform-controlled councils across the country.
Council leader Cllr Martin Murray said the changes would ensure people were ‘judged on their ability, not on some EDI ideology.’
The position paper is being distributed to all Reform UK-controlled councils.
