North Ayrshire and Arran MP Katy Clark has questioned the SNPs motives as they launch a consultation whether or not to extend a key aspect of the Equality Bill to Scotland. The Equality Bill is due to debated at the House of Commons at the end of October.
The ‘socio-economic duty’, which is included in the Equality Bill, puts an onus on public bodies such as councils and other public authorities play a role in reducing the gap between rich in poor. However, the SNP have said the provision is unnecessary.
Katy said, “I am astonished that the SNP have rubbished the “socio-economic duty” as unnecessary in Scotland. We live in the fourth richest country in the world but wealth and power is extremely unequally distributed. The fight to reduce the gap between rich and poor is one of my political priorities. I cannot see how anyone who wishes to eradicate poverty would be against this legislation. It may not be the solution to the problem but it will help tackle inequality at grassroots level. It will be an outrage if it becomes law in England and Wales but not Scotland.”
“Pressure has mounted and Nicola Sturgeon has finally agreed to launch a consultation on whether the measure should apply in Scotland. I would urge organisations throughout North Ayrshire and Arran to take part in the consultation and show support for the socio-economic duty.