Under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 which amended the Race Relations Act 1976 a 'general duty' was placed on a wide range of public authorities to provide race equality.

Under this general duty, public authorities must:

• eliminate unlawful racial discrimination
• promote equality of opportunity
• promote good relations between people of different racial groups.

The aim of the duty is to place equality at the centre of all public authorities functions and policies. This includes policy making, service delivery, employment provision, regulations and enforcement.

The fundamental objective is to improve public services for everyone by eliminating discrimination and promoting race equality, through fair access to services but not through positive discirmination.

The general duty is supported by specific requirements which must be met. The specific requirements relevant to public authorities (e.g. the council) are explained within this programme.