More than £50 million of public funds have been allocated to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion positions within UK local authorities since 2021, leading to a contentious debate among politicians and calls for financial prudence.
Over £50 million of public funds have been allocated to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) positions within UK local authorities since 2021, sparking debate among politicians. The TaxPayers’ Alliance disclosed that this spending, particularly noted to rise in the fiscal year 2022/23, has led to criticisms from Conservative Party members regarding its value and impact on public finances. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has called on councils to cut back on diversity initiatives as a measure to address unnecessary spending and avoid financial troubles. Among the highlighted expenditures, Birmingham City Council was reported to pay a significant salary for an “Assistant Director of Community Services and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion,” while Calderdale Council’s investment in EDI roles exceeded £1 million. Critiques from MP Nick Fletcher and Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg focus on the perceived divisiveness and inefficiency of such spending, emphasizing a need for councils to prioritize essential services and financial prudence amid rising council tax bills and the challenge of balancing budgets.
