12 June 2007
Gender as a factor in the assessment of insurance risks
The Treasury would welcome comments on the proposed Guidance to insurance firms on how to meet their proposed obligation to publish data relating to the use of gender as a risk factor. It invites responses on whether the Guidance is clear and meets the reasonable expectations of consumers. The Guidance will be issued in accordance with proposed Regulations amending the Sex Discrimination Act 1975.
The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has published proposals for implementing the EU Gender Directive through the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (Amendment) Regulations 2007. This implements the principle of equal treatment between women and men in the access to and the supply of goods and services. The deadline for implementation is 21 December 2007.
In order to implement the Gender Directive DCLG proposes, among other things, to amend the Sex Discrimination Act relating to insurance to specify the circumstances under which insurance companies may charge different premiums or offer different benefits to men and women. One proposed condition is that data relevant to establishing the case for differential treatment by gender must be published and regularly updated in accordance with guidance issued by the Treasury. This consultation publishes that guidance in draft form.
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Media links
External links
- Discrimination law review (DCLG website)