Cheshire East Council is asking residents, staff and communities for their views on its refreshed equality objectives as part of a duty to comply with the Equality Act 2010.

The Equality Act 2010 ensures that all public bodies play their part in making communities and society fairer, by tackling discrimination and providing equality of opportunity for all.

The public consultation on the council's draft equality objectives, runs from today until 31 July. Responses will shape and direct the equality, diversity and inclusion strategy and provide opportunities to build on the work that it has delivered so far.

The council recognises that promoting equality, diversity and inclusion will improve public services for everyone. Its aspiration is that Cheshire East is an area of equal opportunity where everyone has a fair chance, and people from all backgrounds take part in community life.

The four draft strategy objectives are:

• Include – listen and involve all voices;

• Inspire – celebrate and promote diversity and the positive opportunities it brings;

• Integrate – deliver and promote accessible services for all; and

• Inform – empower people to respectfully challenge discriminatory and poor behaviour

Councillor Jill Rhodes, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for public health and corporate services, said: "Our vision is to make Cheshire East a welcoming place, where equality, freedom, fairness and opportunity are open to all. We want everyone to feel valued, to celebrate diversity and to understand people's different needs and aspirations, whether they are living, visiting or working here.

"This proposed equality objectives and supporting strategy builds upon the significant progress we have made and outlines our ambitions and plans to continue to promote opportunities for all throughout Cheshire East.

"Equality, diversity and inclusion really does matter as every single person that we all work with, whether a fellow councillor, member of staff, resident or one of our many customers deserves to be treated fairly and with respect."

Councillor Marilyn Houston, Cheshire East Council's new equality, diversity and inclusion member champion, said: "We know that Cheshire East is becoming an increasingly diverse area, as people recognise it as a great place to live and work with excellent schools and great transport links.

"Towns across the borough are home to varied communities from Eastern Europe, East Timor, Syria, India, Bangladesh and the Caribbean to name but a few, and there are currently 108 languages spoken across the borough.

"The current coronavirus pandemic has exposed health inequalities in the population. Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and those experiencing poverty and social exclusion, are more at risk. This makes our work around equality, diversity and inclusion of even greater importance.

"That's why talking to and listening to our residents and communities should be at the centre of everything we do. I urge everyone to have their say and provide feedback before the deadline of 31 July."

Residents can submit their views here or by visiting the Cheshire East website.

If residents would like to receive the survey in a different language, an alternative format or enquire about taking part in a telephone survey, please contact [email protected] or call 0300 123 5038.