Government must act on equality - Randerson

3.46.57pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 5th Dec 2006

Welsh Liberal Democrat Equality spokesperson Jenny Randerson will call on Government Ministers to match their words with actions on equality policy today.

Jenny said: "The Government has traditionally been strong on rhetoric but weak on action where matters of equality are concerned.

"On key issues such as free home care for the disabled, providing funding for fair pay in local government and supporting equality in the new NHS contracts, they have failed to act.

"The Government made a commitment to provide disabled people with free care at home, then backtracked.

"Councils have to bring in pay equalisation schemes to ensure there is equality, but have no Government support or funding.

"Moves to improve pay equality in the NHS haven't been fully established because the Welsh Assembly Government has failed to provide full funding.

"The Equality Committee has worked hard to ensure these issues are raised in every aspect of Assembly life, but the Government needs to do more. The Assembly has a legal commitment to promote equality and diversity, but the actions of the Government have not matched their rhetoric.

"If Wales is to become a beacon of positive attitudes towards diversity, in employment, the public sector and beyond, we need more than words from this government."

Notes/Nodiadau:

The Debate on the Seventh Equality Annual Report will take place today, the 5th December 2006.

Ends/Diwedd

Marie Concannon

Press Assistant to the Welsh Liberal Democrat Group

National Assembly for Wales

02920 898426