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Equality

Answer

The code of practice to which the consultation document relates does not come into effect until 1 April 2008. By that date, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) will have been dissolved and the Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR) will have assumed the role of the EOC in terms of promotion and enforcement of gender equality. The functions of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights which are regulatory within the meaning of the consultation document A Code of Practice for Regulators include: its powers to provide information and advice under Section 13 of the Equality Act 2006; to issue codes of practice under Sections 14 and 15; to conduct inquiries under Section 16; and enforcement powers under Sections 20 to 23 (investigations, unlawful act notices, action plans and agreements) and Sections 31 and 32 (public-sector duties: assessment and compliance notices). These functions include securing compliance with the law in some respects; for example, the power to issue unlawful act notices and compliance notices under Sections 21 and 32. They do not include giving assistance to litigants, because that constitutes a function of conducting civil proceedings, which is specifically excluded from the definition of a regulatory function for the purposes of the consultation document.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

3865; 693 c11-2WA

Session

2006-07

Subjects

Codes of practice Equality and Human Rights Commission Equal Opportunities Commission Regulation

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk