The proportion of people from Black and Ethnic Minority communities is low in the District. 99% of people in the District were recorded as being White in the 2001 Census and there is no evidence to suggest that Black and Ethnic Minorities are concentrated in any particular part of the District.

However, despite the proportion of the non-white population being well below the national average, it has increased and is likely to increase further. The District also attracts migrant agricultural workers from Europe who need to be considered in order to avoid discrimination.

Racial discrimination does not necessarily mean that a person has been intentionally discriminated against. Racial discrimination occurs when a person has received less favourable treatment as a result of their race, colour, nationality or ethnic origin. The Race Relations Act describes four main types of discrimination:

Direct racial discrimination

Direct racial discrimination occurs when a person has been treated less favourably than others in similar circumstances solely on the basis of race.

Indirect racial discrimination

According to the Commission for Racial Equality indirect discrimination can take two different forms:

1. On the grounds of colour or nationality

This occurs when an apparently non-discriminatory requirement or condition which applies to everyone:

• Can only be met by a considerably smaller proportion of the people from a particular racial group
• Which is to the detriment of a person from that group because he or she cannot meet it
• The requirement of the condition cannot be justified on non-racial grounds

2. On the grounds of race, ethnic, or national origin

This occurs when a provision, criterion or practice which, on the face of it, has nothing to do with race is applied equally to everyone:

• Puts or would put people of the same race, ethnic or national origins at a particular disadvantage when compared with others
• Puts a person of that race or ethnic or national origin at a disadvantage
• Cannot be shown to be a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim

Victimisation

Victimisation occurs when a person is treated less favourably than others in the same circumstances because they have complained about racial discrimination, or supported somebody else that has. This includes somebody that has:

• Brought proceedings under the Race Relations Act against the discriminator or anybody else
• Given evidence or information in connection with proceedings brought by another person under the Race Relations Act
• Done anything under the Race Relations Act or with reference to it
• Alleged that a person has acted in a way that would breach the Race Relations Act

Harassment

Harassment applies when discrimination is on the grounds of race, ethnic or national origin, but not colour or nationality. Harassment on grounds of colour or nationality amounts to less favourable treatment and may be unlawful direct discrimination.

A person harasses another on the grounds of race, ethnic or national origin when he or she engages in unwanted conduct that has the purpose or effect of:

• Violating that other person’s dignity
• Creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them