439.This section amends Part 1 of the Equality Act 2006, which makes provision for the Commission for Equality and Human Rights, to clarify the Commission’s remit by removing some of its powers and duties and by reducing the frequency with which the Commission is required to report on progress in society so that its reports capture more meaningful change over time. This section also makes consequential amendments to the Equality Act 2006 and the Equality Act 2010.
440.Specifically, the section makes the following amendments to the Equality Act 2006:
repeals section 10(1) and 10(4) to (7), which imposes a duty on the Commission to promote good relations between members of different groups, and section 19, which gives the Commission powers associated with section 10;
repeals section 27, which enables the Commission to make arrangements for the provision of conciliation in certain non-employment-related disputes;
amends section 12, to require the Commission to monitor and report on changes and developments in society which are consistent with its duties in sections 8 (Equality and diversity) and 9 (Human rights) instead of reporting on changes relevant to section 3. It also reduces the frequency with which the Commission is required to publish a report on progress from every 3 years to every 5.
441.The section also makes further amendments, consequential on these changes, to provisions in the Equality Act 2006 and the Equality Act 2010.