Systemic racism
Councils are discussing specialist anti-racism training for staff and appointing a Poverty Commissioner to address systemic racism's impact on residents.
Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury called for specialist anti-racism training for local authority staff in July 2026, drawing parallels with the Mann Review's recommendations. He noted that while general equalities training is provided, specific anti-racism training is not available within Tower Hamlets Council. This discussion took place at a Standards Advisory Committee meeting.
Haringey Council decided in March 2026 to appoint a Poverty Commissioner to tackle inequality within the borough. A motion proposed by Councillor Mary Mason and seconded by Councillor Mark Blake highlighted that systemic racism contributes to poverty among Black residents, alongside high unemployment and housing issues.
Hackney Council has been addressing a disparity in referrals to its Domestic Abuse Intervention Service, with a higher proportion of Black and Global Majority residents referred compared to the borough's census population. This issue was discussed in September 2025 as part of a review of the Eliminating Violence Against Women & Girls Strategy.
Key facts
- Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury called for specialist anti-racism training for Tower Hamlets Council staff in July 2026. Source
- Tower Hamlets Council's Standards Advisory Committee met on July 13, 2026, discussing political culture improvements. Source
- Haringey Council decided to appoint a Poverty Commissioner in March 2026. Source
- A motion to appoint a Poverty Commissioner noted systemic racism contributes to poverty among Black residents in Haringey. Source
- Hackney Council discussed a disparity in Domestic Abuse Intervention Service referrals for Black and Global Majority residents in September 2025. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.