Charity raises serious concerns over consultation on future of Warwickshire’s equalities service

The Equality and Inclusion Partnership, known as EQuIP, has raised serious concerns about Warwickshire County Council’s consultation on the proposed decommissioning of the Equalities Services Contract.

The consultation was launched on October 12 and will run for eight weeks until December 6.

EQuIP currently delivers Warwickshire’s countywide equalities service, providing support to people affected by discrimination and hate crime, as well as training, advice, community engagement and partnership support.

The charity says the proposal presents "significant risks for residents, communities, public services and wider equalities provision across Warwickshire".

Junaid Hussain, chief executive officer of EQuIP, said: “EQuIP recognises Warwickshire County Council’s right to review commissioned services. However, any consultation must be conducted fairly, transparently and on the basis of evidence.

“The council’s consultation document refers to cost savings and states that externally commissioned equalities provision is not a priority for the current administration. We believe both points need careful scrutiny. Equality, diversity, inclusion, hate crime support and community cohesion should not be treated as optional extras or matters of political preference.

“This is particularly concerning when EQuIP’s performance has not been called into question and when we continue to have a strong and constructive working relationship with Warwickshire County Council officers and partners across the county.

“This is not simply about the future of one contract or one organisation. It is about whether residents across Warwickshire continue to have access to independent, trusted and specialist support when they experience discrimination, hate crime or exclusion.”

Kailash Mistry, chair of EQuIP, said: “The loss of this service would remove much more than a contract. It would weaken trusted routes into communities, reduce specialist support for vulnerable residents, and make it harder for Warwickshire to respond to tensions and inequality at a time when this work is needed more than ever.

“EQuIP’s work is rooted in trust, independence and long-standing community relationships. These relationships cannot simply be recreated overnight or replaced by signposting. Once this infrastructure is lost, rebuilding it will be extremely difficult.

“We strongly encourage residents, community groups, service users, partners and elected representatives to take part in the consultation and make their views known.”

Speaking previously about the consultation on behalf of the county council, Councillor Mike Bannister said: “We understand that considering changes to the services we commission can create uncertainty for people who use them and the organisations that work alongside them.

“Like many councils, we are facing significant financial pressures and need to look carefully at how we deliver services in the future.

“It is important that we hear from people who may be affected. No decisions have been made and we will consider the feedback carefully before deciding on the next steps.

“The feedback will help us understand the potential impact of any changes and inform our thinking about the future.”

The consultation can be accessed online at: ask.warwickshire.gov.uk/bi/equalities-service

Different formats or support can be requested on 01926 412381 or emailing [email protected]

That email address can be used for direct written responses which can also be posted to Community Partnerships Service, Warwickshire County Council, Shire Hall, CV34 4RL.

An easy read version of the online format can be accessed by visiting: ask.warwickshire.gov.uk/bi/equalities-service-easy-read