Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR)
The CEHR came in to operation in October 2007 when the EOC (Equal Opportunities Commission) and the DRC (Disability Rights Commission) were combined. The CRE (Commission for Racial Equality) also joined the CEHR in April 2009.
The CEHR has the power to tackle discrimination and promote equality as was the case with the individual watchdogs previously, however its powers have been extended to enforce legislation more effectively. It will enforce equality legislation on race, gender, age, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or transgender status. It will also have a role in encouraging compliance with the Human Rights Act 1998.
In June 2008 Harriet Harman went a step further and announced a single Equality Bill, to resolve some of the confusion that has been created with the general increase in discrimination legislation since the Race Relations Act of 1976. Watch this space!
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