Oxfordshire councils reaffirm support for trans people

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils have pledged to maintain welcoming environments for transgender and non-binary residents and staff as they await information on timelines and financial support related to the EHRC’s revised draft guidance code of practice.

The reaffirmed commitment follows the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s revised draft guidance code of practice on the Equalities Act, which provides guidance on single-sex services and facilities in light of Supreme Court rulings on biological sex in 2025.

Sam Casey-Rerhaye, councillor for Sandford and The Wittenhams at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “We feel strongly that The Code of Practice creates a real risk that trans people will be excluded from essential services and public spaces, and will be barred from services they have previously had no issue accessing.

“By highlighting this issue we want to ensure everything is done to prevent this from happening.”

At recent full council meetings, both authorities passed motions to ensure they continue to support and engage with LGBTQ+ groups, raise awareness of the challenges facing transgender and non-binary people, and provide safe access to council services and public spaces.

Across both districts, council buildings already feature a range of options including individually locking toilets.

A review of all council-owned buildings is now underway to identify any required changes.

Mike Giles, cabinet member for corporate services, policy and climate action at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “We pride ourselves in providing venues and activities that allows all of our customers to visit in comfort and access services with dignity.

“The motion reaffirmed the existing position of the council to be inclusive and supportive of the trans community.

“Any costs incurred by the council to change our facilities and buildings should be covered by the Government.”

Councillor Lucy Edwards – cabinet member for corporate services, said: “However, following the announcement of the new guidance from the EHRC, we are undertaking a review of our venues so we can assess where changes may need to be made and are working on a staff training plan, so that we comply with the requirements of that guidance and the broader principles of equality.”

In addition to reviewing facilities and updating staff training, both council leaders will also now write to write to government asking for funding to be made available to councils to cover the costs of making services compliant with the EHRC Code of Practice.