And the best area in Britain for tackling LGBT bullying is…?

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a white background.

LGBT equality charity, Stonewall, has ranked local councils in terms of LGBT bullying prevention in schools.

The charity published a list of the top 10 local authorities, in accordance with its Education Equality Index.

Bath & North East Somerset Council came out on top of this year’s ranking.

North Yorkshire and Oxfordshire County Council followed in second and third position, respectively.

“We are delighted that Bath & North East Somerset Council has once again gained top ranking in the Stonewall Equality Index 2017,” said leader of B&NES council Tim Warren.

Tim Warren, B&NES Councillor

Tim Warren, Bath & North East Somerset Council leader.

The council has taken numerous steps this year to promote LGBT inclusiveness, including Equality Teams (E-Teams).

The area has 50 E-Teams which encourage young people to work collaboratively on campaigns around diversity and inclusion.

“Bath & North East Somerset Council has shone with its phenomenal initiatives and inspiring work with and for local young people, working to celebrate difference and challenge homophobia, biphobia and transphobia”, said Senior Account Manager at Stonewall, Sarah Rose.

Stonewall also named The Highland Council as the most improved council.

Southwark Council was named the best new entrant.

Top 10 councils for tackling LGBT bullying

Stonewall works directly with over 1,000 primary, secondary and special schools in the country to help them tackle LGBT bullying.

This year marked the seventh annual Education Equality Index.

The charity noted in its report that many councils had made trans-specific commitments this year, after trans was included in the Index for the first time in 2016.

A total of 39 local authorities from England, Scotland and Wales took part.

You can read the full report here.