Monmouthshire County Council has launched a consultation on its Strategic Equality Plan for 2024-28.

Communities are now asked to help shape their work over the next four years.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Strategic Equality Plan outlines the objectives and actions the Council intends to deliver over the next four years to ensure everyone in Monmouthshire can achieve their full potential.

This consultation proposes seven equality objectives as follows.

“Give every child the best start in life; Support the creation of fair employment and good work for everyone; Work with partners and residents to build inclusive and cohesive communities; Expand our provision of community-based services that extend people’s healthy life expectancy; Ensure our services are accessible to the public; Ensure we have a diverse workforce and a fully inclusive workplace; Reduce the gender pay gap.”

Monmouthshire County Council would now like people to tell us what they think of these objectives and provide us with feedback through our survey. Additionally, we encourage people to review the consultation document and inform us of any important points we may have overlooked. Your input is invaluable, and we appreciate your contributions.

Cllr Angela Sandles, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, said: “Addressing inequality is one of our biggest priorities. It is crucial to recognise and appreciate the abilities and contributions of everyone in our communities, irrespective of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, or any of the other characteristics that make us who we are. We want Monmouthshire to be a fair place where the effects of inequality and the socio-economic disadvantages many people face are reduced. We are committed to working with and alongside communities to achieve this.”

The consultation will run until midday on Friday 9th February and can be accessed from

https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/consultations/. People can request a paper version of the survey by e-mailing [email protected], calling 01633 644644 or asking at your nearest Community Hub.