North Herts District Council (NHDC) has drawn up a new equality strategy to tackle discrimination and councillors want residents to comment on whether they have it right. New legislation means the council must deliver services equally regardless of relig

North Herts District Council (NHDC) has drawn up a new equality strategy to tackle discrimination and councillors want residents to comment on whether they have it right.

New legislation means the council must deliver services equally regardless of religion, age and sexual orientation. This will extend current schemes aimed at ensuring equal treatment regardless of race, sex or disability.

A council spokesman said: "This sets out how the council will promote equality and community cohesion, value diversity and tackle unfair discrimination. It demonstrates the council's commitment to meeting the needs of everyone who lives, works or visits within North Hertfordshire."

Leader of the Council, F John Smith, said: "I am sure this will not be too difficult a task to implement in North Herts. We can be encouraged by our recent 'place survey' which showed that 87 per cent of people think those from different backgrounds get on well together, well above the national average.

"As a community leader, NHDC has a key role to play in promoting equality and diversity throughout its operations. The overall aim of the new equality strategy is to ensure that the wide range of services offered by the council are accessible to all, whatever their background and needs. We want to shape an even more diverse and harmonious place to live and work. I do urge everyone to take part in the consultation."

To read the strategy and have your say in confidence go to the 'corporate equality strategy consultation' page at www.north-herts.gov.uk or for a hard copy call 01462 474835. The closing date for comments is September 1.