Question

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by the Minister for Women and Equalities on 14 February (HC29543), what assessment they have made of the Financial Conduct Authority's proposals in its consultation "Diversity and inclusion in the financial sector – working together to drive change" in relation to new regulatory equality burdens on private companies that are not subject to the public sector equality duty.

This question was answered on 11th March 2025
The Public Sector Equality Duty's scope is clearly set out in the Equality Act 2010 - it extends to all public authorities listed in Schedule 19 of the Act and all parties carrying out public functions. This includes private sector and voluntary organisations exercising public functions.

The government expects regulators to ensure organisations comply with their legal requirements. Should regulators wish to go beyond the scope of the 2010 Act’s requirements, that is a matter for them, but they should not seek to label such additional requirements as arising under the 2010 Act.