Future funding for equality and human rights in Wales: Have your say
Cyllid ar gyfer cydraddoldeb a hawliau dynol yng Nghymru yn y dyfodol: Cyfle i ddweud eich dweud
The Deputy Minister and Chief Whip, Jane Hutt, today announced the launch of a six week consultation into the future shape and remit of the Welsh Government’s Equality and Inclusion Funding Programme.
The Welsh Government Equality and Inclusion Fund supports those who are at greatest risk of discrimination and unfair treatment, including disabled people, Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, Gypsies, Roma and Travellers, refugees and asylum seekers, and LGBT+ people, as well as those who are socio-economically disadvantaged. The fund currently has an annual budget of £1.6million.
Jane Hutt said:
“The Equality and Inclusion Fund has long been at the heart of our work relating to Equality and Human Rights. We have increasingly recognised that different aspects of inequality, such as racism, discrimination and poverty, can combine to produce even worse outcomes for some people and communities, and this has been particularly apparent during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Since 2017, we have focused support for and through organisations who represent communities in aspects of equality and inclusion, as well as distinct service providers for some key groups. While we intend to continue this work, it is not enough to stand still, and we must examine whether or not this approach is working.
“I want to explore options for greater collaboration between representative equality organisations in Wales. It’s vital that we provide the greatest benefit to everyone who is disadvantaged or experiences discrimination.
“We need our equality organisations, individuals and communities, to tell us what needs to change, so that we can continue to tackle inequality in Wales, make the greatest overall impact, and achieve the best possible outcomes for our communities.
“These issues affect us all, so please let us know your views on how this funding can best be used in future.”
The Consultation documents, including Welsh, Easy Read and British Sign Language versions can be found at this link:
https://gov.wales/future-equality-and-inclusion-funding-programme
Alternative formats can also be made available on request.
Notes to editors
Professor Emmanuel Ogbonna, chair of the First Minister's BAME Covid-19 Advisory socio-economic sub-group, will be available for interview, with reporting embargoed until 09.30 on Monday 15 February. Please contact leonie.roberts018@gov.wales or call 07971 593396.
Funding recipients
At present the Equality and Inclusion Funding Programme covers grant funding for four representative organisations and three Inclusion Projects:
Grants for representative bodies and the current lead agency for each
- All Wales Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Engagement Programme – EYST
- LGBT Equality in Wales – Stonewall Cymru
- Driving Forward Disability Rights in Wales – Disability Wales
- All Wales Gender Equality Project – Women’s Equality Network (WEN) Wales
Inclusion projects (contracted services) and lead agencies
- Travelling Ahead, supporting Gypsies, Roma and Travellers – TGP Cymru
- The Asylum Rights Programme – The Welsh Refugee Council, partnered with EYST, TGP Cymru, Bawso, and Asylum Justice
- The All Wales Hate Crime Report and Support Centre – Victim Support Cymru