COUNCILLORS and staff at Swindon Council are to receive anti-discrimination training to counter allegations of institutional racism.

An internal inquiry was launched after senior Labour councillor Barrie Thompson questioned the way ethnic minorities were being treated.

The inquiry found no substantial evidence of discrimination but the Commission for Racial Equality was called in to advise on the way forward

Now a three-year programme has been launched to promote equal opportunities.

The council is required by law to draw up a Race Equality Scheme by May 31 to make sure it provides accessible services and further equal opportunities in employment.

It will publish a new Race Equality Policy in early June, which will become part of the council's overall policy. But the training will not just deal with racial discrimination but also ageism, homophobia, lack of awareness about disability and sex discrimination.

Coun Brian Ford, (Con, Wroughton & Chiseldon) said an external trainer will talk to councillors and officers about existing perceptions and then establish what training is needed.

He said: "We will be doing training on all equalities for staff and members to make sure that no discrimination takes place in the borough.

"Part of it is to make sure that our house is completely in order. We already have equal opportunities policies drawn up."

"I'm unaware of a huge problem in Swindon, obviously some discrimination does occur because people don't think about things, for example putting steps instead of a ramp would make it difficult for wheelchair users. It could be unconscious and that's what this training will tackle."

The Race Equality Scheme is required under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 which came about after the Stephen Lawrence inquiry..

Coun Thompson (Parks) suggested last year that some parts of the council were institutionally racist.

But Coun Ford added: "I don't think you can accuse us of being institutionally racist until we have the figures to base it on. I'm awaiting the figures for what proportion of the population we employ. You can't say we are racist until we know the basics."