More than a quarter of all diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) events have been held by the Environment Agency, according to new figures from the TaxPayers’ Alliance.
Figures obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request show that a whopping 295 events were held by the organisation over the past two years — almost three per week.
While the Environment Agency tops the list of quangos hosting the most DEI events, it is closely followed by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) with 128 events and Ofgem with 106, bringing the total number of events across all bodies to 1,078.
Investigations Campaign Manager at the TaxPayers’ Alliance, Callum McGoldrick, said: “The sheer scale of this DEI industry within the civil service is staggering. Holding over a thousand events in just two years suggests that, for many public bodies, political correctness has become a full-time occupation.
“The Environment Agency seems far more interested in social engineering than environmental protection.”
Mr McGoldrick added: “It is time to end the era of endless workshops and prioritise the delivery of actual public services.”
Some DEI events organised by Britain’s taxpayer-funded quangos have included an LGBTQ+ children’s book recommendation session run by the Environment Agency, as well as an event focused on “tree bathing”.
Britain’s energy regulator, Ofgem, has also spent public money on a session titled Menopause as a Transitioning Person, while NHS Professionals (NHSP) funded a one-hour Queer Art Therapy event.
The British taxpayer is shelling out for the Environment Agency’s DEI events
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GETTY / PA
Responding to the findings, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer Sir Mel Stride MP said: “At a time of rising debt, tax increases and real pressure on family finances, the public is entitled to ask whether this is really the best use of their money.”
Quangos in Britain are now responsible for nearly one in every three pounds of Government spending and are among the country’s largest employers, with almost 500,000 people employed.
Funding for these bodies comes primarily from the taxpayer, although they also generate income through fees, charges and levies. Of a total income of £412 billion, £376 billion was provided directly by the Treasury, with the remainder raised from other sources.
In response, Reform UK Deputy Leader Richard Tice MP warned: “British taxpayers are increasingly fed up with the vast sums of public money being poured into this woke madness.
Richard Tice said ‘this is a gross misuse of hard-earned taxpayers’ cash’
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GETTY“At a time when the UK economy is under severe strain, this is a gross misuse of hard-earned taxpayers’ cash. Reform UK will scrap diversity, equality and inclusion rules that have lowered standards and reduced economic productivity.”
Mr Tice continued: “We will restore common sense to Great Britain.”
GB News has approached the Cabinet Office for comment.
