Member

Additionally, the Government are committed to commencing the socioeconomic duty in the Equality Act 2010, when parliamentary time allows. This will ensure that specified public bodies are specifically required to consider how strategic decisions they make might help reduce inequalities associated with socioeconomic disadvantage. I reassure the noble Lord that upcoming guidance for strategic authorities on the socioeconomic equality duty and the power to convene meetings with local partners on matters relating to areas of competence will reflect the importance of good data practices and improving socioeconomic outcomes; for example, when exercising the power to convene meetings, mayors of strategic authorities will be required to consider engaging with the Social Mobility Commission on relevant policy matters. Further still, I will also update relevant existing government guidance, such as the local growth plan development and delivery guidance, to be clearer that mayoral strategic authorities work with local partners and the Social Mobility Commission to design, deliver and monitor interventions that support social value. However, adding a statutory duty on this matter is unnecessary and risks creating an additional administrative burden on strategic authorities that distracts from important delivery.