Land and Property Policy

Other policies etc. which have a bearing on this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?

Strategies/Policies:
Council’s Estate Management Strategy
Council Constitution
Council Standing Orders
Council Events Policy
Booking conditions for specific facilities – e.g pitches, leisure centres, community centres.
Corporate Strategy
Health and Safety, Planning and Licensing Legislation

Studies, Publications, Statistics and Guidance:

• Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency – Census 2011
• NINIS, Census 2001
• Land and Property Service Guidance on ‘Disposal of Surplus Public Sector Property in Northern Ireland’ (March 2013 or as updated).
• Royal Chartered Institute of Surveyors Policy (red book guidance).

• Quantitative evidence has been sourced via the NI Census in 2011 and the Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey 2018.  
• All individuals and groups are treated equally under the Policy.
• No complaints or information is available to suggest any individual or group has been adversely affected.

• Mid-year 2018 NISRA statistics detailed the usual resident population of Causeway Coast & Glens Local Government District to be 144, 246, accounting for 7.7 % of the N.I. total.  Statistical information with regards to the Districts makeup and individuals therein was also reviewed. 
• Event plans request information relating to the use of Council land.

The 2011 Census outlined:

In terms of religion or religion brought up in the 2011 Census indicates that our resident’s religious beliefs are comparable to those in Northern Ireland in that there are 2 predominant groupings ie Roman Catholic and Protestant.  However we also have a number of individuals (5.64%) who do not practice a specific religion or who do not wish to be grouped into a specific religion.  In addition we have a small number of individuals who practice other religions.

The Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey (2018) provides the following information on the political parties people in Northern Ireland feel closest to (this information is not available at Council area level) *:

There is no evidence to indicate that this policy will have a negative impact on any of this Section 75 grouping.  Councillors provide representation from all groupings.   In addition all decisions are presented to the Land and Property Sub-Committee for recommendation to Corporate Policy and Resources Committee and Council based on factual information and figures collated both externally and internally presented in a report format for decision making.

On Census Day 27th March 2011 the resident population was:

The policy is written in English which may have a minor impact on some racial groups where English is not the individual’s first language.  In order to mitigate this the policy will be uploaded to the Council website where the translation function will support translation into over 40 languages.  In addition if requested a hard copy can be provided to individuals upon request.  If individuals have any queries with regards to the policy the Democratic & Central Services Manager can provide support.    The policy is applied irrespective of any applicant’s background.  All decisions are made based on other factors such as cost advice from independent bodies (valuations), legal advice and officer consultation across all service areas.

Age: (Mid Year 2018)*   (NISRA statistics)

The policy applies to individuals over 18 with regards to use of Council Land however community groups whose membership spans a variety of groupings may also use the policy to hire Council Land. 

Marital Status: 
Marital status by former legacy Council area (most recent figures available from Census 2011):

The policy does not adversely impact anyone irrespective of their marital status.  The policy is applied irrespective of any applicant’s background.   Councillors provide representation from all groupings. All decisions are presented to the Land and Property Sub-Committee for recommendation to Corporate Policy and Resources Committee and Council based on factual information and figures collated both externally and internally presented in a report format for decision making.

There are no specific figures available on how many people may be Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual or Trans-gender or Trans-sexual (LGBT) specific to the Council area. 

The Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey (2018)* provides the following information on the sexual orientation of people in Northern Ireland (this information is not available at local government level):

In addition the NI Rainbow Project estimates between 6-10% of any given population could be considered as LGBT. 

Gender:  (Mid Year 2018 Population Estimates)* 

The gender breakdown in our borough is relatively equal and the policy welcomes applications and/or bids from any individual.  The policy does not adversely impact anyone irrespective of their gender or background.  All decisions are made at full Council meetings, where Councillors represent all sections of the community.   All decisions are presented to the Land and Property Sub-Committee for recommendation to Corporate Policy and Resources Committee and Council based on factual information and figures collated both externally and internally presented in a report format for decision making.

The Census information in 2011 showed:
People With or Without Dependents:

The policy does not adversely impact anyone irrespective of whether they have dependants or not.  All decisions are made at full Council meetings, where Councillors represent all sections of the community including individuals with dependants and caring responsibilities or without.   All decisions are presented to the Land and Property Sub-Committee for recommendation to Corporate Policy and Resources Committee and Council based on factual information and figures collated both externally and internally presented in a report format for decision making.

People with a Disability/People Without:
People with a long term condition/illness by former legacy Council area (most recent figures available from Census 2011):

 ____                                                              

Source: NINIS, Census 2011, KS302NI
Notes: 

1. ‘Communication difficulty’ means a difficulty with speaking or making yourself understood. 
2. ‘A mobility or dexterity difficulty’ means a condition that substantially limits one or more basic physical activities such as walking, climbing stairs, lifting or carrying. 
3. ‘An emotional, psychological or mental health condition’ includes conditions such as depression or schizophrenia. 
4. ‘Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing’ includes conditions such as asthma. 
5. ‘A chronic illness’ includes illnesses such as cancer, HIV, diabetes, heart disease or epilepsy. 
6. ‘Long-term’ refers to a condition which has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months.

The policy may have a minor impact on individuals with a disability. Council’s Disability Action Plan promotes equality for disabled people - facilities available for hire will be accessibility checked as part of the Every Customer Counts process.  In addition Residents can use SignVideo to avail of an interpreter to contact office staff and seek clarification.  Large print or other accessible formats are available on request. 

Impact is minor. Due to the contractual foundation of the policy some of the wording is not in Plain English.  However this can be mitigated by Council using Plain English for communication about the policy, facilitating telephone clarification and publication on the council website into support translation into multiple languages. 

The policy may have a minor impact on individuals with a disability. This will be mitigated by auditing facilities available for hire to ensure accessibility as part of the Every Customer Counts process.  In addition Residents can use SignVideo to avail of an interpreter to contact office staff and seek clarification.  Large print or other accessible formats will be made available on request.

The policy applies to individuals over 18 years of age therefore younger people may be at a disadvantage although community groups whose membership spans a variety of groupings may hire Council Land. 

Impact is neutral as service provision is provided equally regardless of whether they have dependants or not.

Generally speaking people can fall into more than one Section 75 category.  Taking this into consideration, are there any potential impacts of the function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance on people with multiple identities?  (For example:  disabled minority ethnic people, disabled women, young Protestant men, young lesbians, gay and bisexual people.)

At events brought about via the policy use there may be increased opportunities for individuals across all Section 75 groupings to interact with each other.  As a result of asset disposal the money received may be used in areas which benefit individuals with multiple identities in a more relevant manner.

Screening Decision
Likely Impact
          ☐        Major                    ☒     Minor                     ☐     None

If the decision is to subject the policy to an equality impact assessment (i.e. likely impact – Major), please provide details of the reasons for this:
Minor impacts identified have been mitigated through reasonable adjustments, the policy will be reviewed every 2 years as part of the corporate review process.  If any adverse impacts are noted these will be brought to the committee with possible mitigation to request that the policy be amended. 

If the decision is not to conduct an equality impact assessment (i.e. likely impact = Minor) the Council should consider if the policy should be mitigated or an alternative policy be introduced: 
Mitigation has been included, the policy will be subject to review as per the corporate review process.

If the decision is not to conduct an equality impact assessment (i.e. likely impact = None), please provide details of the reasons for this:

N/A

If YES, give the reasons to support your decision, together with the proposed changes/amendments or alternative policy:

Mitigation has been included in the policy.  The policy will be review every 2 years in line with corporate policy, however if further negative impacts are identified prior to the scheduled review the policy may be reviewed earlier.