In England and Wales The Race Relations Act 1976, as amended by the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, makes it unlawful to discriminate against anyone on grounds of race, colour, nationality (including citizenship), or ethnic or national origin. The amended Act also imposes general duties to promote racial equality.
It applies to:
jobs
training
housing
education
the provision of goods, facilities and services
It is also unlawful to discriminate while carrying out any function.
The amended Act imposes a general duty to promote equality of opportunity and good race relations.
Local Authorities have very specific and detailed conditions to fulfil under the Amended Act, and cannot act otherwise.
The Amended Act also criminalises printed racist publications, pamphlets, etc and just about every other way that racist views can be expressed.
The same applies generally to Scotland, but they have their own Acts.