Cllr Paul Elgood

A range of workforce disability issues at Brighton and Hove City Council are set to be scrutinised following a proposal at the Council's OSC (Overview and Scrutiny Commission) tonight.

Councillors made the request for a scrutiny review following an external Equalities Peer Review of the organisation which raised a series of questions over how disabled members of staff are treated by the Council.

One finding of the report revealed that disabled workers are forced to take public transport between buildings rather than the Council's own bus service because it is not adapted for disabled people.

The proposal for scrutiny was made by Lib Dem Councillor Paul Elgood and seconded by Labour Councillor Warren Morgan.

Councillor Paul Elgood said:
"I have been shocked at the inequality disabled members of staff can face when working for the Council.  The Council is failing to lead by example and undertake best practice at all times. This review will give a voice to disabled workers and the issues they have been raising for some time.  All must have equal opportunity when employed by the Council."

Councillor Gill Mitchell, Chair of OSC commented:
"It is very important that any gaps in services picked up in reviews of this nature are properly examined and steps taken to rectify them, particularly so in such an important area as this. The setting up of this Panel provides an excellent opportunity to do this."

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www.brighton-hove.gov.uk