VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Women: Public Spaces

Asked by Mike WoodConservativeWomen and EqualitiesTabled Answered 27 January 2026UIN 106523

The question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, whether she has had recent discussions with the Local Government Association on the interim guidance being given to councils on the Supreme Court ruling on For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers.

Answered by Olivia Bailey

We have always been clear that the For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers [2025] Supreme Court ruling should be implemented in full by duty bearers, including local councils. Where necessary, they should seek specialist legal advice.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission - as the independent regulator - has submitted a draft Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations to Ministers, and we are working as quickly as we can to review it with the care it deserves. This will provide further guidance to duty bearers on how they should comply with the Equality Act 2010 following the Supreme Court ruling.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim