Written questions by Denyer.

Pursuant to the Answer of 5 November 2025 to Question 86020 on Business: Codes of Practice, what assessment she has made of whether her expectation was met that the Equality and Human Rights Commission (a) engaged (i) widely and (ii) broadly and (b) listened to diverse voices during its engagement on the Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is independent of the government. It was for the EHRC to ensure that the consultation process on its Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations was appropriate and meaningfully engaged with varied stakeholders. The Government expected them to do this widely and broadly, listening to diverse voices. The EHRC has revised the Code following the consultation and submitted it to the Minister for Women and Equalities. The Government is considering the updated draft Code and, if the decision is taken to approve it, the Code will be laid before Parliament for a 40 day period.

What discussions she has had with the Equality and Human Rights Commission on the adequacy of the scope of its engagement on the Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is an independent regulator, and the Government respects its independence and the role it plays as the equalities regulator. It was for the EHRC to ensure that the consultation process meaningfully engaged with different stakeholders - including a variety of legal and subject matter experts.The Government made clear that our expectation was for the EHRC to engage widely and broadly, listening to diverse voices.

With reference to the Government's Code of Practice on consultations, if she will hold discussions with the Chair of the EHRC of the potential merits of extending the EHRC's six-week consultation to 12 weeks.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is independent of government. It is for the EHRC to ensure that the consultation process is appropriate and meaningfully engages with a variety of stakeholders. The Government expects them to do this widely and broadly, listening to diverse voices, and has engaged EHRC on this. We will then consider the EHRC’s updated draft once they have submitted it.

Pursuant to the Answer of 20 May 2025 to Question 52519 on Public Places: Non-binary People and Transgender People, if she will issue guidance on steps organisations should take (a) whilst the Government is considering the implications of the Supreme Court's recent judgement and (b) prior to the decisions to determine the final updated statutory Code of Practice for service providers and organisations.

The Government has set out our expectation that employers and other duty bearers follow the clarity the Supreme Court ruling provides. Where necessary, they should take appropriate specialist legal advice.The EHRC have opened their consultation on the draft updated statutory Code of Practice, seeking views from affected stakeholders. We encourage people to ensure their views are heard by submitting a response to the consultation by Monday 30th June. We will consider the final draft Code once it has been submitted and engage EHRC to ensure it provides the further certainty and clarity service providers need, in line with the ruling.

Whether she is taking steps to ensure that the views and experiences of older women are reflected in (a) decision-making processes and (b) policy development across departments.

The Government is clear that equality and opportunity for all are at the heart of our programme of national renewal. This includes actively considering the needs of older women and ensuring that they are not discriminated against. The Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) requires organisations in scope to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between different people.The scope of the PSED is set out in the Equality Act 2010 (the Act). It extends to all public authorities listed in Schedule 19 of the Act and all parties carrying out public functions. This includes private sector and voluntary organisations when carrying out public functions. The Government expects regulating public authorities to ensure organisations comply with their legal requirements.The Government recognises the challenges some older women can face and is committed to ensuring that support systems are in place. These include improving older people’s participation online through the new Digital Inclusion Action plan, employment support through Jobcentres, and addressing healthcare inequality in the 10 Year Health Plan, to ensure the NHS is there for anyone who needs it, whenever they need it.

What discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the potential impact of restrictions on the right to work on women seeking asylum.

This Government remains determined to restore order to the asylum system and clear the backlog of claims as quickly as possible.Asylum seekers can apply for permission to work if their claim has been outstanding for 12 months or more, through no fault of their own. Those granted permission, can seek employment in roles on the Immigration Salary List.We are also committed to delivering an asylum process that is gender sensitive – building on the Government’s wider strategy to tackle violence against women and girls.