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

Director of Safeguarding and Support

Swindon Borough Council
£95,171 (spot salary)
Improving outcomes for our children and young people in Swindon... Swindon, Wiltshire
Recuriter: Swindon Borough Council

Principal Social Worker / Care Manager - Northampton Central, North and East

West Northamptonshire Council
£40316 - £43675
What will you be doing? As a champion of social work, you’ll lead by example, using your skills to encourage a culture of innovation, reflection and learning within the service, using practice evaluations and learning reviews to inform this work. The ex Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Data Officer - 18 month Fixed Term Contract

Essex County Council
£22361 - £24527 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Defined Benefit Pension
Data OfficerFixed Term - 18 months duration, Full Time - 37 Hours Per WeekUp to £24,527 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Customer Service Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £22361 per annum
Customer Service AssistantPermanent, Part TimeUp to £22,361 per annum (FTE)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Customer Service Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £22361 per annum
Customer Service AssistantPermanent, Full TimeUp to £22,361 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner

Partner Content

Circular highways is a necessity not an aspiration – and it’s within our grasp

Shell is helping power the journey towards a circular paving industry with Shell Bitumen LT R, a new product for roads that uses plastics destined for landfill as part of the additives to make the bitumen.

Support from Effective Energy Group for Local Authorities to Deliver £430m Sustainable Warmth Funded Energy Efficiency Projects

Effective Energy Group is now offering its support to the 40 Local Authorities who have received a share of the £430m to deliver their projects on the ground by surveying properties and installing measures.

Pay.UK – the next step in Bacs’ evolution

Dougie Belmore explains how one of the main interfaces between you and Bacs is about to change.