§ Jackie BallardTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he(a) has established and (b) published a baseline for policy appraisal against which to measure progress on Equal Treatment. [94860]
§ Angela EagleWe are committed to ensuring that its policies are fair and inclusive, and focus on public service users, not providers. This aim is contained in guidance (published in 1998) which helps Departments consider the impact of their policies on gender, ethnicity and disability. In addition to considering impact, the guidance 153W encourages consultation with women's groups and others where appropriate and action to deal with any differential impact if this appears necessary.
In July 1998 this Department published our policy appraisal "Women and Social Security" which analysed how women's roles have changed since the inception of the Social Security system and what we have done and need to do to meet those changed needs. We also apply the principles described in the Equal Treatment guidance in developing our policies.