Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, pursuant to the answer of 6 September 2024 to Question 2316 on Equality, whether the socio-economic duty will apply to (a) the Government determining council tax referendum principles and (b) councils setting their budgets and council tax levels.

The duty will require public bodies, when making strategic decisions, to actively consider how their decisions might help to reduce the inequalities associated with socio-economic disadvantage. Guidance will be developed that will help relevant authorities comply with the duty once commenced. We will be updating Parliament on this in due course.