A south London council has been criticised for banning staff from using the term “Christian name” in a new directive.
The Liberal Democrat-led Sutton council instructed a new “language guide,” in which officials warned staff that the term could be offensive.
The 13-page guide states that alternatives such as “first name” or “forename” should ensure no offence is caused.
Other terms such as “youngsters” when discussing under 30s and “pensioners” when discussing over 65s were also deemed offensive as they could be classed as “ageist”.
According to the Sun, the guide was assembled by diversity experts, who warn against “incorrect or outdated” terms.
The handout said: “Using incorrect or outdated language can perpetuate, contribute to, or cause bias, prejudice and discrimination.”
But Free Speech Union founder and incoming Tory peer Toby Young said: “This is woke hyper-sensitivity taken to ridiculous lengths.
“I’ve never met a Jew, a Muslim or an atheist offended by the words ‘Christian name’,” he added.
Last year the Sunday Express revealed that legislation requiring authorities to win the support of two thirds of people who live on a street before changing the name has been quietly axed.
It means councils can remove references to figures from Britain’s past that are now deemed to be offensive.
It means councils can simply decide for themselves whether a proposal has local support, effectively allowing them to go ahead with any scheme of their choosing.
In 2022, Lambeth Council considered changing the names to Nelson Row and Cromwell Road but scrapped the proposal. Haringey Council spent £100,000 to rename Black Boy Lane as La Rose Lane.
A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: “Street names can only be changed if local authorities feel there is sufficient demand and engaged with residents.
“No final decisions have been made regarding further legislation in this area, and we are clear that any change must have the support of local communities.”