City of York Council approves Anti-Racist Action Plan

Following approval of a renewed approach to York’s Human Rights and Equalities Board, in partnership with York Human Rights City Network.

City of York Council’s Executive has approved an Anti-Racism Action Plan which includes delivery of a workforce race equality impact assessment, improved engagement with Black, Asian and Racially Minoritised Communities (BARMC) staff, and work with city partners and York's ‘Inclusive Equal Rights UK’ (IERUK 3.0) to eradicate racism and further York’s ambitions to be an Anti-Racist City.

Executive members have agreed a new Action in line with a 2021 full Council resolution to make York an Anti-Racist and Inclusive City and a July 2023 city-wide strategy and action plan from an independent and cross-sectional working group led by Inclusive Equal Rights UK 3.0 

Full Council gave that Strategy its full support and approval on 20 July 2023 agreeing  to declare, pledge and provide city leadership on this issue and to work with all partners to do the same.

The Council’s Executive Member for Finance, Performance, Major Projects and Equalities, Cllr Katie Lomas said,

“Nobody should underestimate the need for support in many of our communities and the challenges being faced by many of our residents and this Action Plan demonstrates that we are - once again - delivering our Council Plan promises, particularly to celebrate being a Human Rights City with an Anti-Racism Action Plan.

“But delivery of this plan is essential to better the real, lived experience of so many of York's people and I am both delighted and proud to be working with IERUK 3.0 once again, and I am grateful for their continued work and support.” 

Haddy Njie, Founder and Chair of IERUK 3.0 said, 

“We're pleased that the City of York Council continues to demonstrate their commitment to making York an anti-racist and inclusive city. They have taken forward many of the actions BAMRC communities across the city have identified as being essential to bringing down barriers they face, which will help create inclusion and improve their wellbeing.

"We look forward to a continued working relationship with the council so we can carry on making a real difference to the lives of people who are too often marginalised in this great city."