Liverpool City Council has set out a bold new plan to become an anti-racist organisation and build a city where everyone feels safe, valued and respected.
The Council’s anti-racism commitment and action plan represent a significant step forward in the Council’s determination to address racism in all its forms, both within the Council and across public services, as well as within communities. The Council acknowledges that there have been false starts in this area and is committed to rebuilding trust through transparency, action, and accountability.
To coincide with the publication of the plan, the Council is launching the ‘This is Liverpool’ campaign, which aims to celebrate the city’s rich diversity, promote inclusion and encourage the city to unite in creating a future free from discrimination.
The plan has been shaped by the voices of community groups, as well as over 1,200 residents and 550 council staff. It provides a clear and accountable framework for change with clear priorities for action, these include:
- A zero-tolerance approach to racism
- Leadership that more reflects Liverpool’s racial diversity, demonstrates accountability and delivers visible, measurable action
- Countering misinformation and challenging racial misinformation
- Ensuring our recruitment is fair and transparent
- Improving opportunities for racially diverse businesses and community organisations
A community oversight group will oversee the delivery and hold the Council accountable. The Council will publish progress updates and continue to listen to communities, residents, partners, and its workforce as the work develops.
Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “Liverpool’s strength has always come from its people; from our diversity, our solidarity, and our shared sense of fairness. But we know that racism, in all its forms, continues to affect too many lives in our city, including within our communities and within our own workforce.
“This plan is our commitment to do better, to listen, to act, and to lead with honesty and courage. We want to confront racism wherever it exists, rebuild trust where it has been lost, and ensure that every resident feels safe and welcome.
“As part of our commitment, we have launched our ‘This is Liverpool’ campaign and reached out to a number of partners across the city, inviting their support and encouraging them to join us on this important journey.
“We encourage everyone in Liverpool to come together, support each other, and openly oppose racism wherever they see it.”
Cllr Ruth Bennett, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources and Transformation, said: “This commitment and action plan is about accountability. It recognises that tackling racism in the city requires more than good intentions; it demands consistent action, openness and collaboration.
“Our communities and workforce have spoken with honesty and courage throughout this process. Our responsibility now is to turn those voices into meaningful change, and to make sure equality and respect are at the heart of everything we do as a Council; and that’s exactly what we are going to do.”
