These Regulations amend the Race Relations Act 1976 (“the Act”) and come into force on 22nd December 2008. They do so in order to give full effect (in Great Britain) to Article 2(2)(b) (indirect discrimination) of Council Directive 2000/43 EC of 29th June 2000 concerning the principle of equal treatment between persons, irrespective of racial or ethnic origin, in the areas of employment (and related matters), social protection, social advantage, education and access to and supply of, goods and services which are available to the public, including housing.