Equality Bill establishes CEHR from October 2007

The Government's Equality Bill, published at the beginning of March, makes clear that a single equality and human rights commission will operate from October 2007, although the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) will not join the new body until 2009.

The legislation is not expected to make it on to the statute book before the general election, but the Bill's publication confirms the government's commitment to press ahead with the single equalities body.