This term, we are studying how fair are public services.

We look at the politics behind the 'stop and search' policy and more.

When asked about what they expect from public services, the public respond that the main priority is that public services should be 'fair'.

Public services are, of course, required to be fair and to comply with the Equality Act 2010.

However, it is not always easy to say what 'fairness' means. 

Should we treat people in exactly the same way, or should we sometimes treat people differently?

There is evidence to suggest that public services do not always treat people 'fairly'.  

A recent example of this is the policy of 'stop and search'.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission finds that if you are a black person, you are at least six times as likely to be stopped and searched by the police in England and Wales as a white person.

If you are Asian, you are around twice as likely to be stopped and searched as a white person. 

You can find out more about this from their report.

Students are enjoying choosing a service that they are interested in (eg, police, education, fire and rescue services, social services) and exploring through data, interviews and reports how 'fair' it is.

Campaigners Protest Against The Government's Impending 'Bedroom' Tax. Photographer: Matthew Lloyd. Getty Images News