Women’s National Commission axed

Concerns have been expressed about the Government’s decision to abolish the Women’s National Commission.

Concerns have been expressed about the Government’s decision to abolish the Women’s National Commission.

The Government announced its abolition today along with several other quangos in advance of its Comprehensive Spending Review next week.

The Commission is the UK’s official, national body working on women’s equality. Its role will be subsumed into the Government’s Equalities unit.

Concerns about the abolition were expressed by the Fawcett Society.  Anna Bird, Head of Policy and Campaigns at the campaign organisation, said: “The Women’s National Commission is key to ensuring the government hears the voice of women across the UK.
 
“The abolition of the WNC will make it that much harder for government to devise informed policy that reflects the unique position of women in the UK. This decision also gives a clear indicator of the priority the new coalition attaches to furthering equality in the UK.
 
“When times are tight it becomes more, not less important to ensure the vulnerable in our society are supported.
 
“We call on the government to ensure that in abolishing the WNC, they don’t also lose the unique things the WNC did – in particular, providing a dialogue between government and women to directly influence government policy.”

The Government has also announced plans to reform the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

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• Gender equality