Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 23
23
Accepted in Part
Amend Bill to add GBR to specific equality duties under Equality Act 2010.
Recommendation
Under the Bill as drafted, GBR is subject to the general Public Sector Equality Duty but not the specific equality duties that support the general duty. The Bill should be amended to add GBR to the list of bodies in schedule 2 of the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties and Public Authorities) Regulations 2017; there should be no need to bring forward separate regulations at a later point to effect this. (Recommendation, Paragraph 63) 35
Government Response Summary
The government intends to confirm the application of specific PSED to GBR through powers under section 153 of the Equality Act 2010, disagreeing with the recommended amendment to the Bill.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
The Government partially agrees with this recommendation. As the Committee notes, currently franchised Train Operating Companies are not bound by the either the general or specific Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED). To underline this Government’s commitment to accessibility and non-discrimination, we have not only committed to the general PSED applying to GBR but also the specific PSED too. We intend to confirm application through the use of the powers provided to the Secretary of State under section 153 of the Equality Act 2010 once GBR has been designated as the integrated rail body, with its corporate structure in place. Therefore, we disagree with the recommended amendment to the Bill as the Government has clearly stated its intention and would be happy to reiterate this on the floor of the House. If the Committee requires further reassurance regarding the Government’s plans for the specific duty, we will happily continue engagement with them until the SI is laid.