Equality in Housing

Katie PrattChief Executive

Coalition Equality Strategy ‘New approach’ December 2010

“Equality is at the heart of this Coalition Government … As we … tackle the UK’s record deficit we are determined to do so fairly, protecting the most vulnerable and prioritising equal opportunities for all.” “moves away from treating people as groups or ‘equality strands’ and instead … we are a nation of 62 million individuals.”

LGB&T and (aspects of) gender ‘Fairness’

Race, disability, age, R and B Equality

Access to Justice Harder for individuals to claim rights Nationally/SW – ‘discrimination advice deserts’ (EHRC research 2009) 62% of people faced with discrimination don’t know their rights

Legal aid cuts Narrowed scope of legal aid (discrimination cases presenting as e.g.

employment or housing issues not eligible) Fewer legal aid providers End of EHRC legal grants programme to frontline orgs (CAB, RECs,

Disability Law service)

The cost of fighting prejudice – highest charges applied to discrimination cases – £250 to initiate a claim – £950 for a tribunal hearing – £1600 for employment appeal

The Equality Act 2010...Covers 9 protected characteristics• Age• Disability• Gender Reassignment• Marriage and civil partnership• Pregnancy and maternity• Race• Religion or belief• Sex• Sexual orientation

The Equality Act 2010...

• All encompassing piece of legislation. • Sets out ways in which it is unlawful to treat someone. E.g. Direct and indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation.• Prohibits unfair treatment in: the workplace, when providing goods, facilities and services, when exercising public functions, in the disposal and management of premises, in education and by associations (such as private clubs).

The Equality Act 2010...The general equality duty says that organisations must “in the exercise of their functions, have due regard to the need to:• eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct prohibited by The Act;• Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not, and;• Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not”.

The Equality Act 2010...

•The specific duties are in place to support public bodies (or bodies delivering a public function) to achieve the general equality duty.

•By 6th April 2012 public bodies should have prepared and published equality objectives to support their organisation to achieve the 3 aims of the general equality duty.

•Before these objectives are published, public bodies will have published information...

The Equality Act 2010...- to demonstrate compliance with the general equality duty;- on the effect that its policies and practices have had on people who identify with a protected characteristic;- on the analysis undertaken to establish the

impact of policies and practices on protected groups, and;- on the engagement undertaken to achieve the aims of the general duty and in developing the organisations equality objectives.

The protected characteristics and housing

Age equality in housing • Supported housing vs independent living

• Location of homes vs access to public transport

• Fuel poverty vs energy efficient housing

• Changes to housing benefits for under 35s“mental health provision - avoiding loss of

independence with advancing age.”

Disability equality in housing • Changes to the Lifetime Homes design indicators

• Engagement and involvement

• Accessibility of communal areas

Gender equality in housing

• Representation

• Misogyny, sexual and domestic abuse

• Religious and cultural attitudes towards women

• Caring roles vs disadvantage in the housing market

Gender reassignment equality in housing • Local Connections vs discrimination received from friends and family

• Feeling unsafe in your own home vs isolation

• Changes to housing benefits for under 35s

“I worry that I will suffer from dementia or similar as I get older and will get confused about my identity which will cause problems with the respect and dignity that I will

require as a human right.”

Race equality in housing • Rural racism vs the associated need for proactive community development work

• Feeling unsafe in your own home vs isolation

• Gypsies & Travellers accessing settled housing (Traveller Pitches Grant)

Religion or belief equality in housing

• Changes to housing benefits for under 35s

• Religious beliefs vs accessing services e.g. maintenance and repairs

• Housing location vs access to places of worship

Sexual orientation equality in housing

• Consultation/ engagement vs being “out”

• Ageing and sexual orientation – losing identity

• Reactions of family and friends to sexual identity

“Getting old and being 'heterosexualised'.  That is to say, my age making my lesbianism suddenly

invisible.”

Thank you Questions?