GENDER-NEUTRAL terms could be required to be used in all BCP Council communications, should a motion win councillors’ support next week.

A motion due to be considered at next week’s full council meeting would see the use of “male universals” and references to people’s sex or gender, when not required, scrapped.

Councillor L-J Evans, who will propose it, said the use of masculine or feminine terms was “unnecessary” and “reinforced historic gender stereotypes”.

Her motion was put to the council in January and asked the council “to use gender-neutral language in all reports and formal communication”.

But concerns were raised that this was “too rigid” and it was referred to the council’s audit and governance committee for consideration.

Last week the committee met and it was agreed to clarify its intention.

Cllr Evans, and her seconder councillor Lisa Lewis, have asked that the motion be expanded when it is brought back before the full council at its meeting on Tuesday.

On top of the original request, they have added that the council should “endeavour” to use gender-neutral terms; in “all written and verbal communications” and where sex and gender “are not relevant”.

It also says the council should “respect” individuals’ rights to be addressed “as they wish and identify this where possible”.

“The use of masculine and feminine words to cover people, regardless of gender or sex, is unnecessary, inaccurate and tends to reinforce historic gender stereotypes,” Cllr Evans said. “Gender-neutral writing is about clarity, inclusion, equality and would help to prevent unconscious bias.”

She said similar policies had already been adopted by other local authorities and that the current approach used by the council created “an exclusive environment where people could feel unwelcome”.

Cllr Lewis said it benefited men who had more opportunities as a result.

Councillor Bobbie Dove, the council’s cabinet member for equalities, said she “absolutely endorsed” work to create “a more equitable council” but requested the motion’s wording be revised.

The amended motion will be put before the full council on Tuesday for adoption.