Introduction and Background

This introductory chapter provides a background and overview of the Equality Act 2010. The Equality Act 2010 forms part of the law of England and Wales. Apart from section 190 (improvements to let dwelling houses) and Part 15 (family property), it also forms part of the law of Scotland. The provisions stating that the Act forms part of the law of England and Wales and Scotland do not limit the reach of the Act solely to events that occur in one or more of those places. It is sometimes possible to rely on this law in relation to events that have happened geographically elsewhere. The chapter then traces the history and sources of equality law in the United Kingdom, and details the introduction and passage of the Equality Act 2010. It also considers the possible effect of the Brexit withdrawal legislation on the Act.