Opportunity to take part in Cyngor Gwynedd's Equalities Objective consultation

Date: 29/11/2023

Cyngor Gwynedd is asking the public to contribute to a process which will help ensure everyone is treated fairly as the authority makes future plans for its services and resources.

There is an opportunity for people to take part in a public consultation on the Council's Equality Objectives, which will form the basis for the Gwynedd Strategic Equality Plan 2024-28.

The draft Objectives were produced following a detailed engagement process, with input from hundreds of people from protected characteristics groups according to the 2010 Equality Act.

There is now a further opportunity for people from across a county and from all walks of life to give their views on the draft. All comments will be considered before the final plan is adopted in the new year.

The Council's Cabinet is asking people to share their thoughts by completing a short questionnaire or sending written comments to the Council.

Councillor Menna Trenholme, Cabinet member for the Council’s Corporate Services Department, said:

“Equality issues apply to everyone – we all have an age, a set of beliefs, sexuality and all sorts of other characteristics that affect how we live our lives and the needs that we have. Ensuring that we have a suitable Equality Plan in place is essential so that we can promote equal opportunities for all.

“Abolishing discrimination is a priority for us at Cyngor Gwynedd, which is why I'm asking people to take a few minutes to respond to the consultation to ensure that the plan will be suitable and that these issues continue to be taken into account with regard to the Council’s work in the future.”

To produce the draft Equality Objectives, which form the basis for the Equality Plan, Council officers visited a number of groups and activities where they spoke to various people. For example, sessions were held with disabled people, young people, and officers attended the North Wales Pride event.

Councillor Menna Trenholme added: “I'm extremely grateful to everyone who has taken the opportunity so far to be part of the process and for welcome shown to our officers when they visited the different groups. Each person's voice has made a valuable contribution towards shaping the objectives.

“There is now an opportunity for people to read through the draft objectives and give their comments. This can be done by completing a short questionnaire either online or on paper, or if people prefer, they can send an email or letter to the Council.

“Our officers will be arranging to visit more groups that represent the interest of protected character groups. If you are a member of such a group or movement and would like to play a part in this next stage of the process, please get in touch so that our officers can arrange a chat.”

There are several ways people can take part in the consultation:

  • For a paper copy of the questionnaire, or in an alternative language or format, call 01286 679708 or email cydraddoldeb@gwynedd.llyw.cymru
  • Paper copies will also be available at Gwynedd Libraries and the three Siop Gwynedd offices (Pwllheli, Caernarfon and Dolgellau) from next week (4 December) onwards.
  • Filling in the questionnaire is the easiest way to air your views, but members of the public are also welcome to email comments to: cydraddoldeb@gwynedd.llyw.cymru or send a letter to: Equality Objectives Consultation, Corporate Support Department, Cyngor Gwynedd Offices, Shirehall Street, Caernarfon LL55 1SH.
  • To invite an officer from the Council to attend your group/organisation's meeting to explain more, please contact cydraddoldeb@gwynedd.llyw.cymru / 01286 679708.

Following the consultation period, the Council's Cabinet will give the new Equality Objectives further consideration during the spring of 2024.