• Through casework for individuals and groups.
• Through advocating the cause of ethnic minorities in forming policies for the Council itself and other local bodies (e.g,. schools) taking every opportunity to establish and reinforce good practice, and by supporting grant aid for cultural activities within communities.
• Through initiatives aimed at highlighting issues of concern to minority communities.

Labour Councillors take on casework relating to housing and housing benefit, domestic violence, racial abuse, education, council tax and benefits, local environmental issues (e.g., safety and lighting in the streets) and other matters which are the responsibility of the Council itself.  They will also represent residents on issues concerned with, for instance, the Health Service, the Police, private landlords and anyone else who affects the life of our residents.  We always take on casework for people from any part of the Borough if they ask, regardless of whether our Councillors are the resident's ward representative.

It is always of primary concern to us to ensure that equal access to services and treatment by Council officers is offered to all citizens, from whatever background.

The Labour Group took the initiative in getting the Education and Leisure Services Committee to institute a new policy on Racial Equality and Racial Harassment and this has been followed up in individual schools' policy development.

The Labour Group Leader seconded the motion moved by the Council Leader calling for fairer treatment for refugees and asylum seekers.  This motion received support from all Labour and Liberal Democrat Councillors.

The Labour Party, nationally and locally, believes in the positive benefits that come from a diverse community.  We value the role of KREC in keeping our eyes on the issues that affect residents from all ethnic, religious and cultural communities.

Cllr. Jeremy Thorn
Leader of Labour Group