Council 'diversity team' costs £300,000 a year

A new report from the TaxPayers’ Alliance on “non-jobs” has revealed that the authority had seven people working as diversity officers during 2009/10 at an average cost of more than £45,000.

The council said that it had cut the number from seven to four since the Taxpayers’ Alliance research was carried out and insisted that their work was vital—but shoppers in Rotherham were critical of the policy.

Mary Stanton (40), from Wath, said: “I don’t even know what a diversity officer is.

“It’s just surprising that with the Government set to make massive public sector cuts, you can employ these people. It’s crazy.”

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Deborah Hargreaves (25) of Masbrough, described the situation as “a bit daft.”

She added: “I could understand if it was just one or two, but they have had seven.

“Why do we need so many? What do they do? It’s a lot of money that could be saved and put elsewhere.”

Paul Waters (30), from Rawmarsh, said: “It’s just ridiculous. £317,000 could employ so many other people who actually help the community.

“Yes, Rotherham is quite diverse, but we don’t need officers to tell us that. We get on just fine.”

The council’s Tory group leader, Cllr John Gilding, described the situation as simply “staggering.”

Chris Daniel, policy analyst at the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “Cutting down on staff doing unnecessary jobs is one way councils can save money without affecting frontline services.

“These jobs are all the result of councils going too far in following the edicts of central government, instead of focusing on local priorities.”

A spokesman for the group said: “Some councils have incorporated responsibilities imposed by legislation into existing positions, but many other authorities have created significant numbers of posts to fulfil statutory requirements.”

A council spokeswoman said: “Along with other areas of the council in the current economic climate, the future role and functions of the diversity team is under review.”

Cllr Mahroof Hussain, the council’s Cabinet member for community development and equality, said: “Diversity is not just about people of other nationalities and cultures, but also people of different ages, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, and people with learning and physical disabilities or with carer responsibilities.

“The council is proud that it takes seriously its responsibilities for supporting diversity, celebrating difference and promoting acceptance of all individuals and communities.

“The Equalities and Diversity team is responsible for ensuring that all the council’s activities are built on the foundations of equality and fairness and for promoting greater understanding across all communities.

“Their work includes working with their colleagues to support individuals and groups across Rotherham on projects and initiatives such as One Town One Community.

“This regular programme of events has promoted positive messages of shared values and cohesion both to people actually participating in the programme and attending the events, but also to the wider community.”

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