Open letter from council chief on race group collapse

Oct 3 2008 by Barry Gibson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

FOLLOWING the announcement last week by the directors of KEHRA that they were ceasing to trade a number of questions have been raised as to the relationship between the organisation and Kirklees Council. I would like to clarify the position as best I can.

KEHRA is the current trading name of Kirklees Race Equality Council (KREC). In one form or another the organisation has existed in Kirklees for many years and has carried out very important work in supporting good race relations, responding to racial harassment and developing youth work and other projects.

KREC has been one of the organisations which the council has supported through financial allocations over a number of years.

Such allocations are made against clear expectations, related to the council’s policies and objectives. The allocations are agreed annually and are subject to monitoring reports from the organisation.

The council is saddened by the current situation and is concerned over the impact of the loss of services.