A new Commission for Equalities and Human Rights (CEHR)  White Paper has been welcomed by several charities.

Forum Response: Disability Rights Commission

Bert Massie, DRC chairman said: "The White Paper provides for a new committee on disability issues where disabled people will be in the driving seat in determining the steps needed to create a fairer society and deliver disability rights. These were the elements that have made the DRC an effective body in such a short time. Continuing priority for disability must be built into the new body’s structures and actions.

"But the White Paper also marks an historic opportunity to place equality and human rights at the centre of public life and to build a much needed consensus on the barriers that must be eliminated to create a truly equal society for all our citizens. We will work actively to ensure that the new commission is a success on all fronts.

"Much will depend on the detailed wording of the Bill.  It would be wiser to allow time for it to be written so the structures and functions of the CEHR attract the support of those looking to it for protection rather than rush a Bill through in the next session.  This would make for better legislation and ultimately a more effective CEHR.

"The need for single equalities legislation to accompany the work of the CEHR is very important. Without it, it would be easier for the CEHR to fail than to succeed. From day one of the commission’s life there would be serious fault lines in its legal powers across the strands which could sow the seeds for future disharmony. It is not too late for the government to think again on this and give the CEHR a better start.

"The government is open to suggestion about whether they have got the balance right between enforcement and promotion of human rights within the new commission’s role and  we will contribute our views. It’s important to recognise that the DRC already has latent legal powers to take human rights cases and it would be difficult to contemplate their loosing these under the new CEHR.

"It would be wrong to see the coming together of the existing commissions and the new strands as an opportunity for economies of scale. The result would be a weakened new commission.  The CEHR is more than the sum of the current commissions with new duties added on, but a body that will have new ways, methods and programmes that must be adequately resourced.  The CEHR must not be a cut price model from the bargain basement."

Forum Response: Voice UK

Kathryn Stone director of Voice UK told ePolitix.com: "Voice UK is very pleased with this development.  However we totally support the DRC and are equally concerned that there will be confusion arising from different pieces of legislation being slotted in to a new framework.  A unified approach would give not only clarity but a very clear message about a real commitment to the promotion of equality and human rights for all."

Forum Response: Help the Aged

Tessa Harding, senior policy ddviser for Help the Aged said: "The Commission for Equality and Human Rights is essential if we are to tackle pervasive age discrimination and the widespread abuse of the human rights of older people.

"Ageism is pernicious, and our society is riddled with it.  It is endemic in the workplace.  It leaves older people who are able and willing to work without employment or income, condemning them to poverty in old age*.  Moreover, it denies older people access to health care, social support, state benefits and educational opportunities.

"The Commission is the first and most positive step towards ridding ourselves of this miserable blight on the lives of such a large number of our citizens. We warmly welcome the vision of a fairer and more equal society, in which older people can take their place alongside others as respected and equal citizens."

Forum Response: Disabilities Trust

Matt Townsend, public affairs officer for the Disabilities Trust said: "The Disabilities Trust fully supports Bert Massie's views and comments on the published White Paper which seeks to create a new Commission for Equality and Human Rights. We are disappointed that the DRC is to be subsumed into a new unified body and felt there was a real possibility that this would dilute or diminish the influence of disability which, in the light of recent progress, was a real concern. It is to be hoped that following the legislation this will not be the case. As others have said it is vital for people with disabilities that genuine civil rights and equality of opportunity in all walks of life are placed at the heart of the government's proposals and we share the concern expressed that without a single equality law this might not be the case with the existing White Paper. In addition, as the DRC points out, it would undoubtedly be better for the legislation to come before Parliament a little later than originally planned if that is necessary to ensure it was comprehensive. It would be regrettable if in the future protracted court cases or further legislation was required to tidy up or clarify uncertain aspects of the Bill."

Forum Response: Age Concern

Age Concern's director-general Gordon Lishman said: "Age isn't a minority issue - it affects us all, and all of us will benefit from taking a tough stance on ageism.   The new Commission for Equality and Human Rights will, for the first time, put age discrimination nearer a level playing field with other types of inequality.

"However, new laws in 2006 will only tackle age discrimination in employment and training.  We have supported moves to bridge the gender divide in public services and now want to see the same for age.  Older people are tired of being the poor relation of other equality laws - it's high time we saw equal protection.

"Older people often get shoddy, second-class treatment in public services like health care and housing but deserve the same high standards of treatment as everyone else.

"We also want action to stop older people facing discrimination on the high street. It is scandalous that older people can't get insurance, loans or credit cards simply because of their age.

"If the new Commission is to have the power to expose prejudice and give voice to those sidelined by society it must be up and running in time for the new laws coming into force in 2006. Otherwise businesses and individuals will face confusion and uncertainty about their new rights and responsibilities."