Staffordshire County Council's Reform group 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 party 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.
UNISON West Midlands head of local government Esther Fanos said: 'Any changes proposed by Reform UK must be carefully assessed. There must be no weakening of protection and support for workers, or for anyone who uses the council's services.
'It's a poor reflection on the party's priorities if it opposes giving people an equal chance.'
Commenting on the move, a statement from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said: 'As the EHRC's website states, the Equality Act 2010 provides a legal framework to protect the rights of individuals and advance equality of opportunity for all. It provides Britain with a discrimination law which protects individuals from unfair treatment and promotes a fair and more equal society.'
It went on to quote the EHRC chair, Mary-Ann Stephenson, who said: 'Equality legislation is something that protects all of us. If you want to protect your own right to protest or to freedom of expression, you also have to recognise that the legislation that does that protects the rights of people you disagree with - and you have to respect that.'
