Laura Sharman 08 September 2021

No gender equality in local councils until 2077 data reveals

No gender equality in local councils until 2077 data reveals image

Only 35% of councillors across England are women - which is less than a 1% increase since the 2019 elections - new data has revealed.

The Fawcett Society warns that at the current rate of change, gender parity in local councils won't occur until 2077.

The campaigning charity also found that around three quarters of local councils still don’t have maternity or paternity police in place for their councillors.

Felicia Willow, Fawcett Society interim chief executive, said: 'This was a bumper year for new councillors – but the data shows that sadly we have more of the same. Almost all councils are dominated by men. The pace of change in local government is far too slow.

'During the pandemic we saw how significantly councils matter for women, whether that’s the care packages for disabled women that were disrupted or the children’s centres for new mothers that suffered closures.

'In light of this stagnation, political parties which are failing to make progress need to urgently set out their action plans for a change of course. Councils are making some headway with policies – now we need to see action from the parties.'

The Fawcett Society is calling for all councils to implement maternity and paternity policies and for the Government to make remote meetings legal for all councils in order to support women with caring responsibilities.

It also wants parties to collect comprehensive, accurate election candidate diversity data and set out targets for increasing women’s representation.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay Award Pending)
Do you want to work in an ambitious Local Authority with strong leadership and partnership commitment to Children’s Services? Durham County Council a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SENDIASS Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
An exciting and rewarding opportunity has arisen within the busy and fast paced SEND Information, Advice, Support Service (SENDIASS). The service has Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Residential Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650- £33,483
Class Teacher MPS 1 -2   £31,650- £33,483 Temporary – required from Monday 1st September 2025 (subject to DBS) until 31st August 2026 25 hours per wee Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner