Countywide launch for Racial Equality council
LEGAL redress for those who find themselves victims of racial or religious hatred is set to be more readily available in Northampton.
Last night saw the launch of the Northamptonshire Racial Equality Council at the Guildhall in Northampton.
Guest speaker was Trevor Phillips, chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality, the national agency which provides core funding for the more locally focused Racial Equality Councils.
Northamptonshire REC's main office is in Wellingborough, with further offices in Northampton and Kettering.
For years no funding was provided for a Northampton Racial Equality Council by the Commission for Racial Equality, Northampton Borough Council or Northamptonshire County Council.
Attempts to revive it were periodically considered, but it was decided that a move towards a countywide model was preferable.
Paul Croft, chief executive of Northamptonshire REC, said that for the first time in many years there would be a dedicated full-time officer who can respond to complaints of racial discrimination in Northampton. Jocelyn Williams will be based at Victim Support in Angel Street until a permanent office in Northampton can be found.
Mr Croft said: "Northamptonshire REC is completely independent working in partnership with statutory agencies. It was formed in April this year and is a totally new organisation. To people in Northampton it will mean a dedicated service committed to receiving and investigating complaints of racial discrimination."
The service will also deal with complaints of religious discrimination, which become unlawful in December.
Another large part of Northamptonshire REC's work will be to supply advice and support to a range of statutory agencies which are required to have policies and procedures in place with respect of all areas of equality.
Mr Croft added: "All public bodies have to have published race equality schemes. We have helped a number of authorities put together these schemes.
"If there's evidence of discrimination anywhere, in the workplace or though a public body, we can help people by bringing those cases to employment tribunals or the county courts to seek redress.
"We hope to develop over the years to be able to offer a countywide service looking into racial and religious intolerance."
louie.hadley@northantsnews.co.uk
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