Ensuring we all benefit from life’s opportunities

Enabling everyone in Bury to benefit from future prosperity and life chances is the aim of a refreshed inclusion strategy and set of equality objectives being considered by Bury Council.

It aims to ensure people have good and equal access to housing, health services, jobs, education, and support across a wide range of services.

The strategy delivers on the council’s obligations to people in line with the Equality Act and also recognises the specific needs of Forces veterans, care leavers, carers, and those in poverty, although ultimately the policy is designed to benefit all Bury residents to share in the borough’s success.

Councillor Sandra Walmsley, cabinet member for communities and inclusion, said: “Our borough is for everyone – whatever your age, abilities, background or circumstances – and we want everyone to benefit from the opportunities available.

“We are all proud to call this borough our home, and together we can ensure that we all share in our future prosperity and community harmony.”

The strategy is due to be considered by the council’s cabinet when it meets next Wednesday (6 Nov).

Cllr Walmsley said: “This new strategy has been drawn up after consultation with community groups and service users. We need to look closely at how we provide services and engage with the public to deliver services better which benefit everyone in our borough equally, irrespective of their background or identity.”

Under Bury’s LET’S Do It! 2030 vision, inclusion is one of five main aims, which are: inclusive communities; healthy, connected people; a strong economy; be on the way to carbon neutrality; and a digital-first approach

Inclusion for Bury 2030 means enabling every person in the borough to fully take part in decision-making, supporting them to be themselves, to speak out about ideas and concerns and to be heard.

Local authorities have a legal duty to set equality objectives. In Bury we want everyone to be treated fairly, with dignity and respect; understanding our differences and valuing these as a strength that we all benefit from; and providing equal access and opportunity to participate in the workplace, the community and in the use of services.

Cllr Walmsley added: “We need to take the lead ourselves, and are taking measures to have a more diverse and inclusive workforce. And we’re proud to have gained recognition as a Disability Confident Leader and Armed Forces Covenant Gold Employer.

“Bury is a vibrant, diverse and cohesive borough, home to more than 190,000 people. Every one of us should be enabled and empowered to maximise our life chances, play a full and active role in society and enjoy a high quality of life.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 31 October 2024.