People using public services should not have to answer ‘intrusive’ equality questionnaires on subjects like sexual orientation, a government minister has said. Eric Pickles, the Communities Secretary, has issued statutory guidance to councils which clarifies that there is no requirement for them to carry out ‘lifestyle or diversity questionnaires’. The move follows revelations that Islington Council asks people wanting to a join a library if they are transgender. (See last week’s Prayer Alert). And it comes after a grandmother was asked about her sexual orientation after she complained about her council’s bin collection service. Mr Pickles continued: ‘Local residents shouldn’t be asked to reveal detailed personal information just because they’ve enquired about getting their bins emptied or how to join their local library. Clamping down on such town hall activity will save taxpayers’ money and protect the privacy of residents of all backgrounds.’

Pray: for the new guidance to be fully adopted by all councils and departments. (Pr.13:10)

More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/end-intrusive-equality-surveys-says-govt-minster/