Equal Opportunities Commission

HC Deb 17 March 2004 vol 419 cc316-7W

Sandra Gidley

To ask the Minister for Women what grants have been allocated to the Equal Opportunities Commission over the last five years; and if she will make a statement on changes in the level of funding during that time. [161921]

Ms Hewitt

The value of the grants paid to the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) in the four previous financial years is:

	£
1999–2000	6,782,000
2000–01	8,382,000
2001–02	8,742,300
2002–03	6,887,500

These figures have previously been laid before the House as part of the EOC Annual Report and Accounts.

The agreed level of funding for this year is £8,005,000.

The increase for 2000–01 and 2001–02 funded the EOC's modernisation programme allowing them to develop a more pro-active and strategic role in promoting equal opportunities for women and men.

This year, the EOC received an increase in funding for additional work on tackling the pay gap. This reflects the key role played by the EOC in helping the Government deliver on gender equality.