Explanatory note

This Order makes provision in connection with the transfer of certain statutory functions relating to equality from the Lord Privy Seal to the Secretary of State. The Government Equalities Office, previously the department of the Lord Privy Seal, is now headed by the Secretary of State entrusted with responsibility for equality (the Home Secretary).

Article 3(1) transfers to the Secretary of State certain statutory functions of the Lord Privy Seal. Article 3(2) provides that certain statutory functions exercisable concurrently by the Secretary of State and the Lord Privy Seal cease to be exercisable by the Lord Privy Seal. The functions in question either relate to equality or can be used in connection with functions relating to equality.

Article 4 transfers the property, rights and liabilities of the Lord Privy Seal in relation to those functions to the Home Secretary, except that immovable property and associated rights and liabilities are transferred to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (who under current practice holds immovable property for the Home Secretary). Articles 5 and 6 make supplemental provision in connection with articles 3 and 4.

Article 7 and the Schedule to the Order make consequential amendments.

Nothing in this Order alters the functions of the Welsh Ministers, the Scottish Ministers or the devolved authorities in Northern Ireland.

A full regulatory impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no impact on the private or voluntary sectors is foreseen.