The Council has a number of obligations under legislation relating to equality, to ensure it treats all persons fairly, and is transparent and open in its dealings with the public.

The Equality Scheme
In 2001, the Council published its scheme which it had consulted upon widely, and which has been approved by the Equality Commission. Among other things, this obliges the Council to carry out regular reviews and 'Impact Assessments' on its practices and policies, and these will appear on the website as they are published.:

Click here for the Council's Equality Scheme.

Human Rights
In 1998 the Human Rights Act brought the European Convention on Human Rights into domestic law. Click here to read about its impact for the Council.

Freedom Of Information
The most recent development in the area was the introduction of the Freedom of Information Act 2002. Section 19 of the Act places obligations on bodies such as the Council. Click here to read more.