Community Development Strategy 2023-26 Equality Screening
S75 Equality And Good Relations Screening Form
General Information: Strategy
Is this an existing, revised or a new function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance? Revised
Operational Area: Leisure & Development/ Community & Culture/ Community Development
Title: Community Development Strategy 2023-26
Brief Summary:
The Community Development Strategy guides how Council invests in strengthening local communities, promoting social inclusion and increasing community participation throughout Causeway Coast and Glens.
The Strategy was developed for a 3 year period from 2020-2023. In 2022 a refresh of the Strategy was carried out to review how the actions undertaken contributed towards achieving the strategic outcomes and to make any necessary updates to reflect the changing environment and guide how Council provides community development support during the 3 year period from 2023-2026.
What is it trying to achieve? (intended aims and outcomes)
The Community Development Strategy guides how Council supports the community and voluntary sector and supports and promotes community development practice in the Borough over the next 3 years. The Strategy provides a framework for Council’s continued investment in strengthening local communities, increasing community participation and promoting social inclusion throughout Causeway Coast and Glens. The Strategy has 3 main outcomes:
OUTCOME 1: Our Communities will be Resourced and Confident
OUTCOME 2: Our Communities will be Connected
OUTCOME 3: Our Communities will be Fair and Inclusive
Who owns and who implements each element of the function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?
The Strategy is implemented in Council by the Community Development section within the Community & Culture service area of the Leisure & Development Directorate
Other policies etc. which have a bearing on this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?
Strategies:
The Strategies that we considered relevant at a regional level are as follows:
• Draft Programme for Government Framework 2016-21
• Department for Communities Building Inclusive Communities Strategy 2020-25
• People & Place: A Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal (2003) (currently being reviewed as the People & Place Strategy)
• Advising, Supporting, Empowering: A Strategy for the delivery of Generalist Advice Services in N Ireland (2015-20)
• The Department for Social Development “Beyond the Centre” document (2000)
• Join In, Get Involved: Build a Better Future - A Volunteering Strategy and Action Plan for Northern Ireland 2012
• The Executive Office Good Relations Strategic Document - Together: Building A United Community (TBUC) 2013
• Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs Rural Policy Framework for Northern Ireland (2021)
• Making Life Better – A Whole System Strategic Framework for Public Health 2013-23
We identified the following Strategies as relevant at a local level:
• A Better Future Together - A Community Plan for Causeway Coast and Glens 2017-2030
• CC&G Borough Council Corporate Strategy 2021-25
• CC&G Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership Action Plans (Coleraine & Limavady)
• CC&G Anti-poverty Framework and Action Plan
• Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Good Relations Strategy 2023-26
• CC&G PEACEPLUS Local Action Plan
• CC&G Policing and Community Safety Partnership Strategic Assessment, Strategic Plan and Action Plan 2019-2024
• CC&G Borough Council Culture, Arts & Heritage Strategy ‘Open Doors to Culture’ 2016-2021
• CC&G Borough Council Recovery & Renewal – an economic strategy for the Causeway Coast and Glens 2020
Studies, Publications, Statistics and Guidance:
• Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency – Census 2021
• Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Socio-Economic Profile: PeacePlus Programme
• Loneliness in Northern Ireland A Call to Action: Report written by the Campaign to End Loneliness in collaboration with the Action Group on Loneliness Policy (December 2020)
Available Evidence
Evidence to help inform the screening process may take many forms. Public authorities should ensure that their screening decision is informed by relevant data.
What evidence/information (both qualitative and quantitative have you gathered to inform this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance? Specify details for relevant Section 75 categories.
It is proposed that all Section 75 categories will be considered via:
• Quantitative evidence has been sourced via the NI Census in 2021 and the Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey 2020.
• A House of Commons Library Research Briefing, “Rising cost of living in the UK” (published 2nd June 2023)
• Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Socio-Economic Profile: PeacePlus Programme
• Structured interviews with 14 community groups in receipt of Council grants
• Reflection sessions – 2 sessions with recipient of Community Festivals Fund, Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and Sustainable Food Programme
• Log of issues and support needs from ongoing engagement with community groups
• Funding Needs Survey – 50 respondents
• Survey of Community Facility Providers – 38 respondents
• Good Relations Audit and Strategy 2023 findings
• PeacePlus DEA consultation
• Loneliness in Northern Ireland A Call to Action: Report written by the Campaign to End Loneliness in collaboration with the Action Group on Loneliness Policy (December 2020)
• Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, Loneliness in Northern Ireland 2018/19, Factors associated with feeling Lonely in Northern Ireland 2018/19 (2020) https://www.nisra. gov.uk/publications/loneliness-northern-ireland-201819
Section 75 Category
Details of Evidence/Information:
• The Census statistics in 2021 collated by NISRA statistics detailed the usual resident population of Causeway Coast & Glens Local Government District to be 141,746 accounting for 7.45% of the N.I. total. Statistical information with regards to the Districts makeup and individuals therein was also reviewed.
Religious Beliefs
The 2021 Census outlined:
Religion / religion brought up in:
Census 2021 CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
Roman Catholic 40.12% 45.70%
Protestant & Other Christian
(including Christian related) 51.17% 43.48%
Other Religions 0.78% 1.50%
None/Not stated 7.94% 9.32%
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.
Political Opinion
The Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey (2021) provides the following information on the political parties people in Northern Ireland feel closest to (this information is not available at local government level) :
%
DUP/Democratic Unionist Party 12
Sinn Féin 13
Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) 13
Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) 13
Alliance Party 19
Green Party 5
Other Party 4
None of these 11
Other answer 1
Don't know 9
Racial Group
On Census Day 21 March 2021 the resident population was:
Census 2021 CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
White 98.55% 96.55%
Irish Traveller 0.03% 0.14%
Roma 0.01% 0.08%
Indian 0.15% 0.52%
Chinese 0.22% 0.50%
Filipino 0.10% 0.23%
Pakistani 0.03% 0.08%
Arab 0.03% 0.10%
Other Asian 0.10% 0.28%
Black African 0.12% 0.42%
Black Other 0.04% 0.16%
Mixed 0.51% 0.76%
Other ethnicities 0.11% 0.19%
Since December 2022 people seeking Asylum have been placed in temporary accommodation in Causeway Coast and Glens. While it is difficult to confirm exact statistics for the number of people seeking Asylum and those granted Refugee status, the consultation shows a need to support the community and voluntary sector to create welcoming communities for new arrivals, refugees and people seeking asylum. People from minority ethnic backgrounds often face greater barriers to accessing help or joining in community activities. Promoting social inclusion and increasing community participation are key aims of the Strategy and as such the Strategy can provide a positive impact on this Section 75 Group.
Age
Age: (NISRA Census 2021 – Table MS-A02)
CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
0-4 years 7,973 (5.62%) 113,820 (5.98%)
5-9 years 8,878 (6.26%) 124,475 (6.54%)
10-14 years 9,113 (6.43%) 126,918 (6.67%)
15-19 years 8,326 (5.87%) 113,203 (5.95%)
20-24 years 7,873 (5.55%) 111,386 (5.85%)
25-29 years 7,713 (5.44%) 116,409 (6.12%)
30-34 years 8,460 (5.97%) 126,050 (6.62%)
35-39 years 8,528 (6.02%) 127,313 (6.69%)
40-44 years 8,513 (6.01%) 122,163 (6.42%)
45-49 years 9,322 (6.58%) 121,670 (6.39%)
50-54 years 10,412 (7.35%) 130,967 (6.88%)
55-59 years 10,150 (7.16%) 129,276 (6.79%)
60-64 years 9,171 (6.47%) 113,049 (5.94%)
65-69 years 7,769 (5.48%) 93,464 (4.91%)
70-74 years 6,990 (4.93%) 83,467 (4.39%)
75-79 years 5,659 (3.99%) 66,377 (3.49%)
80-84 years 3,718 (2.62%) 43,776 (2.30%)
85-89 years 2,126 (1.50%) 25,879 (1.36%)
90+ years 1,051 (0.74%) 13,512 (0.71%)
TOTAL Population 141,745 1,903,174
Older people and young people are more likely to experience loneliness and social isolation. Promoting social inclusion and increasing community participation are key aims of the Strategy and as such the Strategy can provide a positive impact on this Section 75 Group.
Marital Status
Marital status by former legacy Council area (most recent figures available from Census 2011):
Census 2011 Ballymoney BC Coleraine BC Limavady BC Moyle DC
Single 32.68% 34.78% 36.64% 34.96%
Married 52.52% 48.88% 48.94% 49.03%
Civil Partnership 0.07% 0.06% 0.08% 0.08%
Separated 3.13% 3.15% 3.58% 3.66%
Divorced/Civil
Partnership Dissolved 5.23% 6.13% 4.99% 5.11%
Widowed/Surviving
Civil Partner 6.39% 7.00% 5.78% 7.15%
Sexual Orientation
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 (2021) provides the following information on the sexual orientation of people in Northern Ireland (this information is not available at local government level):
%
I am ‘gay’ or ‘lesbian’ (homosexual) 2
I am heterosexual or ‘straight’ 93
I am bi-sexual 4
Other 0
In addition the NI Rainbow Project estimates between 6-10% of any given population could be considered as LGBTQ+. LGBTQ+ people are more likely to experience loneliness and social isolation. Promoting social inclusion and increasing community participation are key aims of the Strategy and as such the Strategy can provide a positive impact on this Section 75 Group.
Men and Women Generally Gender:
(Census 2021 – Table MS-A07)
CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
Male 69,848 (49.28%) 936,132 (49.19%)
Female 71,898 (50.72%) 967,043 (50.81%)
Studies show that women in Northern Ireland are ‘more likely to be more often lonely’. Promoting social inclusion and increasing community participation are key aims of the Strategy and as such the Strategy can provide a positive impact on this Section 75 Group.
Dependants
The Census information in 2011 & 2021 showed:
People With or Without Dependents
(Census 2021 – Table MS-B12):
Census 2011 CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
Number of households (2021 stats) 57,576 768,810
Households with dependent children
(2011 stats) 15,597 (28.37%) 261,251 (36.19%)
Almost three quarters of carers in Northern Ireland feel isolated or lonely because of their caring role. Promoting social inclusion and increasing community participation are key aims of the Strategy and as such the Strategy can provide a positive impact on this Section 75 Group.
Disability
People with a Disability/People Without: (Census 2021 Tables MS-D03 and MS-D04)
Census 2021 CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
People with a long-term
condition/illness 30,656 (53.24%) 423,945 (55.14%)
People Without 90,793 (64.05%) 1,243,371 (65.33%)
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Long-term Condition
Deafness or partial hearing loss 8,914 (6.29%)
Blindness or partial sight 2,560 (1.81%)
Mobility or dexterity that requires the use of a wheelchair 2,145 (1.51%)
Mobility or dexterity that limits physical activities 15,951 (11.25%)
Intellectual or learning disability 1,340 (0.95%)
Intellectual or learning difficulty 4,334 (3.06%)
Autism or Asperger syndrome 2,282 (1.61%)
An emotional, psychological or mental health condition 11,787 (8.32%)
Frequent periods of confusion or memory loss 2,681 (1.89%)
Long term pain or discomfort 17,396 (12.27%)
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 14,525 (10.25%)
Other condition 13,214 (9.32%)
Source: NISRA, Census 2021, tables MS-D03, MS-D04 through to MS-D16
People living with a disability are significantly more at risk of chronic loneliness with one Office of National Statistics study finding them nearly four times as likely to feel as always or often lonely, compared to non-disabled people.
Promoting social inclusion and increasing community participation are key aims of the Strategy and as such the Strategy can provide a positive impact on this Section 75 Group.
Screening Questions
1. What is the likely impact on equality of opportunity for those affected by this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?
Section 75 Category - Positive impact (it could benefit) Neutral Negative impact (it could disadvantage)
Gender
Women Positive
Men Positive
Transgender men/women Positive
Other please specify --
The impact is positive as the Strategy applies equally regardless of gender. One of the Outcomes of the Community Development Strategy is Fair and Inclusive Communities; the implementation of the Strategy will support and promote community and voluntary activity that involves people from all genders.
Race
The categories used in the Race section are those used in the 2011 census. Consideration should be given to the needs of specific communities within the broad categories.
Asian Positive
Black Positive
Chinese Positive
Mixed race Positive
Other please specify --
The impact is positive as one of the Outcomes of the Community Development Strategy is Fair and Inclusive Communities; the implementation of the Strategy will support and promote community and voluntary activity that involves people from all racial backgrounds.
Disability
Long term health impairment could include mental health problems, asthma, heart conditions, chronic fatigue etc.
Positive
Reason: The impact is positive as one of the Outcomes of the Community Development Strategy is Fair and Inclusive Communities; the implementation of the Strategy will support and promote community and voluntary activity that supports people with a disability.
Sexual orientation
Heterosexual, lesbian, gay men, bisexual, others
Positive
Reason: The impact is positive as one of the Outcomes of the Community Development Strategy is Fair and Inclusive Communities; the implementation of the Strategy will support and promote community and voluntary activity that supports people of different sexual orientations.
Age
Older People Positive
Younger people and children Positive
Reason: The impact is positive as one of the Outcomes of the Community Development Strategy is Fair and Inclusive Communities; the implementation of the Strategy will support and promote community and voluntary activity that supports people of all ages, particularly older people and younger people who are typically more likely to be isolated.
Political Opinion
Positive
Reason: The impact is positive as the Strategy applies equally regardless of political opinion. One of the Outcomes of the Community Development Strategy is Fair and Inclusive Communities; the implementation of the Strategy will support and promote community and voluntary activity that supports people of different political opinions.
Religious Belief
Positive
Reason: The impact is positive as the Strategy applies equally regardless of religious belief. One of the Outcomes of the Community Development Strategy is Fair and Inclusive Communities; the implementation of the Strategy will support and promote community and voluntary activity that supports people of different religious beliefs.
Martial Status
Positive
Reason: One of the Outcomes of the Community Development Strategy is Fair and Inclusive Communities; the implementation of the Strategy will support and promote community and voluntary activity that supports people of different marital status.
Dependants
Positive
Reason: One of the Outcomes of the Community Development Strategy is Fair and Inclusive Communities; the implementation of the Strategy will support and promote community and voluntary activity that supports people with dependents and without.
Screening Questions
2. Are there opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity for people within any of the Section 75 categories?
Gender
(Women, Men, Transgender men/women , Other please specify)
Yes. The strategy supports the strengthening of communities and may encourage and support equality and inclusion across within this category.
Race
The categories used in the Race section are those used in the 2011 census. Consideration should be given to the needs of specific communities within the broad categories.
(Asian, Black, Chinese, Mixed race, White, Other please specify)
Yes. The strategy supports the strengthening of communities and may encourage and support equality and inclusion across within this category.
Disability
Long term health impairment could include mental health problems, asthma, heart conditions, chronic fatigue etc.
Yes. The strategy supports the strengthening of communities and may encourage and support equality and inclusion across within this category.
Sexual orientation
Heterosexual, lesbian, gay men, bisexual, others
Yes. The strategy supports the strengthening of communities and may encourage and support equality and inclusion across within this category.
Age
Older People, Younger people and children
Yes. The strategy supports the strengthening of communities and may encourage and support equality and inclusion across within this category.
Political Opinion
Yes. The strategy supports the strengthening of communities and may encourage and support equality and inclusion across within this category.
Religious Belief
Yes. The strategy supports the strengthening of communities and may encourage and support equality and inclusion across within this category.
Marital Status
Yes. The strategy supports the strengthening of communities and may encourage and support equality and inclusion across within this category.
Dependants
Yes. The strategy supports the strengthening of communities and may encourage and support equality and inclusion across within this category.
Screening Questions
3. To what extent is the policy likely to impact on good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group?
Section 75 Category: Religious Belief
Level of impact: Minor. Opportunity for increased interaction between individuals of different religious belief.
Section 75 Category: Political Opinion
Level of impact: Minor. Opportunity for increased interaction between individuals of different political opinion.
Section 75 Category: Racial Group
Level of impact: Minor. Opportunity for increased interaction between individuals of different racial group.
Screening Questions
4. Are there opportunities to better promote good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group?
Religious Belief: Yes. Opportunity for increased interaction between individuals of different religious belief.
Political Opinion: Yes. Opportunity for increased interaction between individuals of different political opinion.
Racial Group: Yes. Opportunity for increased interaction between individuals of different racial group.
Additional Considerations
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.)
The Strategy will benefit all groups within the Section 75 categories, including those with multiple identities.
Provide details of data on the impact of the function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance on people with multiple identities. Specify the relevant Section 75 categories concerned.
N/A
Disability Considerations
Is there an opportunity to better promote positive attitudes towards disabled people by altering this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?
Yes. The Strategy promotes social inclusion and one of the actions is a Social Connections Grant that could provide financial assistance to groups supporting people with a disability to participate more fully in community activities.
Is there an opportunity to encourage participation by disabled people in public life by altering this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?
No. The Strategy already promotes increased participation by disabled people.
Screening Decision
Likely Impact: Minor
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:
N/A
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:
All currently known impacts have been mitigated, with any minor impacts being positive rather than negative. There are opportunities for review as necessary if additional adverse impacts are identified during its implementation.
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
Mitigation
When the Council concludes that the likely impact is ‘Minor’ and an equality impact assessment is not to be conducted, the Council may consider mitigation to lessen the severity of any equality impact, or the introduction of an alternative policy to better promote equality of opportunity or good relations.
Can the policy/decision be amended or changed or an alternative policy introduced to better promote equality of opportunity and/or good relations?
No
If YES, give the reasons to support your decision, together with the proposed changes/amendments or alternative policy:
N/A
Timetabling And Prioritising
If the policy/decision has been ‘screened in’ for equality impact assessment, then please answer the following questions to determine its priority for timetabling the equality impact assessment.
On a scale of 1 to 3, with 1 being the lowest priority and 3 the highest, assess the policy in terms of its priority for equality impact assessment.
Priority Criterion
Rating (1 to 3)
Effect on equality of opportunity and good relations N/A
Social Need N/A
Effect on people’s daily lives N/A
Relevance to the Council’s functions N/A
Monitoring
Please outline proposals for future monitoring of the policy/decision:
The Strategy will be reviewed every 2 years.
Approval And Authorisation
Screened By: Community Development Manager, 03/11/23
Approved By: Head of Service, Community & Culture, 03/11/23