Enact Socio-economic Duty
The UK government should bring into force in England section 1 of the Equality Act 2010, implementing the socio-economic duty. The Northern Ireland Assembly and Northern Ireland Executive should consider an equivalent provision within section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.
- The response states that statutory guidance is being drafted and engagement with listed public bodies is underway.
- Section 1 of the Equality Act 2010 remains uncommenced in England as of March 2026, though it has been commenced in Scotland (since April 2018) and Wales (since March 2021).
- No commencement date or draft statutory guidance has been published.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThis government is committed to ensuring that everyone, no matter their background, can thrive. The government therefore agrees with the Inquiry's recommendation, that commencement of the socio-economic duty could drive the routine consideration of the impact decisions might have on those most at risk in an emergency. The socio-economic duty will require specified public bodies to actively consider how their strategic decisions might help to reduce the inequalities of outcome associated with socio-economic disadvantage.
We are currently working toward commencement of the duty, which includes drafting statutory guidance that will clarify how the duty can be applied effectively. As part of this process, we are engaging with listed public bodies to understand their concerns and any potential barriers, as well as analysing responses to our Call for Evidence on Equality Law.
No formal response published by this government.
This government is committed to ensuring that everyone, no matter their background, can thrive. The government therefore agrees with the Inquiry's recommendation, that commencement of the socio-economic duty could drive the routine consideration of the impact decisions might have on those most at risk in an emergency. The socio-economic duty will require specified public bodies to actively consider how their strategic decisions might help to reduce the inequalities of outcome associated with socio-economic disadvantage.
We are currently working toward commencement of the duty, which includes drafting statutory guidance that will clarify how the duty can be applied effectively. As part of this process, we are engaging with listed public bodies to understand their concerns and any potential barriers, as well as analysing responses to our Call for Evidence on Equality Law.
Progress Timeline
Status: Pending. No government response yet received. Module 2 report published 20 November 2025.