A NEW panel focused on inclusion is set to be created at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Speaking exclusively to The Gazette, council leader Cllr Ken Rhatigan revealed the authority plans to launch an inclusion panel to ensure that residents from minority backgrounds are fairly supported and represented.

He said he came up with the idea because he felt it is important to involve “everybody” in the town’s economic recovery.

Cllr Rhatigan said: “It has been bubbling away. Our focus has to be on involving everybody in our economic recovery.”

It will have to go to full council to be approved but after securing a majority of 12 councillors at the local elections earlier this month, it is expected to pass through.

Cllr Rhatigan said: “We have to be bold and push through barriers in support of all groups who feel excluded whether that’s people who are trans, gay or feel excluded because of their race or poverty.”

The authority now has six councillors of colour with Cllrs Samir Kotecha, Aji Peter, Sajish Tom and Arun Mummalaneni elected in May, joining longstanding councillor Dan Putty.