Growth Deal
S75 Equality And Good Relations Screening Form
General Information: Project
Is this an existing, revised or a new function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance? Existing
Operational Area: Prosperity & Place
Title: Growth Deal
Brief Summary:
Causeway Coast and Glens is set to receive £72m capital funding for a Growth Deal after the NI Executive agreed to match fund the UK Government’s Growth Deal allocation. The Growth Deal capital fund will be used to support digital and innovation projects. The Executive investment will focus additional funding on supporting infrastructure, tourism, and regeneration along with employability and skills. The Growth Deal was initially screened in November 2021, however in June 2023 the interventions proposed within the project were altered. As a result, the Growth Deal has been re-screened with no mitigating measures. The Screening Form is available to be circulated.
What is it trying to achieve? (intended aims and outcomes)
Growth Deals are models of economic growth which provide regions with the opportunity to:
• Take charge and responsibility of decisions that affect their area.
• Do what they think is best to help businesses grow.
• Identify priorities for economic growth in the region.
• Decide how funding should be spent to meet those priorities.
In May 2021, Full Council ratified the six key themes/ sectors and 14 projects to be taken forward for further assessment by way of Strategic Outline Cases (SOCs). Since then significant work has been undertaken on the SOCs and in August 2023, the Executive Programme Board (EPB) decided the following eight projects should be formally submitted to the relevant Government Departments for funding consideration. This was formally agreed at the September 2023 Leisure & Development Committee and ratified by Council in October 2023.
Themes & Number of Projects Identified:
• Innovation – Centre for Food & Drug Discovery (CFDD), Business Innovation & Incubation Hub (BIIH), Foodovation
• Tourism & Regeneration – Bushmills Regeneration, Dungiven Regeneration, Cushendall Innovation Centre (CIC)
• Infrastructure – Connected Causeway: Traffic & Parking Infrastructure, Portrush to Bushmills Greenway
In addition, in October 2023 the Leisure & Development Committee agreed that an additional Tourism & Regeneration project (Coleraine Leisure & Wellbeing Centre) would be formally submitted for consideration of Growth Deal funding – this ensure the entire Growth Deal funding allocation will be allocated. This was ratified by Council in November 2023. Employability & Skills although not a capital will be essential to the successful delivery of all the other projects, by ensuring that skills gaps are identified and interventions put in place to eradicate. At this stage of the process, all nine Growth Deal projects are considered to form one overall submission. As such, all projects have been considered when completing this Equality Screening. Following agreement of final projects at Heads of Terms (anticipated March 2024), individual Equality Screening and Rural Needs Assessment will be undertaken.
Who owns and who implements each element of the function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?
Owners:
• Prosperity and Place Head of Service – overall coordination
• Executive Programme Board (EPB) – decision makers
• Programme Management Office (PMO) – day to day Growth Deal activities
Implemented by:
• Prosperity and Place Head of Service
• Programme Management Office
Other policies etc. which have a bearing on this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?
Strategies:
• CCGBC - Council Corporate Strategy 2021-2025
• CCGBC – Community Planning Strategy 2017-2030
• CCGBC – Recovery and Renewal (Economic Strategy) 2020-2035
• CCGBC – Digital Strategy 2020-2023
• CCGBC - Tourism and Destination Management Strategy 2015 -2020
• Draft NI programme for Government Framework 2016-2021
• New Decade, New Approach Deal 2020
• DoE Economic Strategy 2012
• DfI – NI Regional Development Strategy 2035
• DfC - Building Inclusive Communities Strategy 2020-2025
• Investment Strategy for NI 2011- 2021
• Lifetime Opportunities: Government’s Antipoverty and Social Inclusion Strategy for NI
• Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998
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.
• The elected members of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
• Direction has been taken from Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) and Derry~Londonderry & Strabane Region City Deal (DSCD)
• Programme Management Office have formed a ‘Critical Friend’ relationship with Ambition North Wales.
Section 75 Category
Details of Evidence/Information:
• The Census statistics in 2021 collated by Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (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.
• It is also clear that the majority of our borough is rural in composition and therefore the specific needs of those individuals must be considered during screening.
• The Council does not currently hold Section 75 monitoring data for businesses supported by the Economic Development team. However, it does hold numbers in relation to specific programmes e.g. Women in Business Programmes.
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 2021 Census indicates that our resident’s religious beliefs are comparable to those in Northern Ireland in that there are two predominant groupings i.e. Roman Catholic and Protestant. However we also have a number of individuals (7.94%) 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.
No issues regarding religious beliefs were raised during process to determine which Growth Deal projects should proceed to Heads of Terms. However, consideration was given to the religious identify of stakeholders in potential Growth Deal project locations i.e. Bushmills (predominately Protestant) and Dungiven (predominately Catholic).
In conclusion, decisions relating to which Growth Deal projects proceed should not impact disproportionally upon any religious or non-religious group and feedback is welcomed from everyone e.g. business owners, residents or tourists regardless of how they identify. To date there is no evidence to show either a detriment or benefit to any specific group within this Section 75 category – neutral impact. Further consultations will take place at Outline Business Case (OBC) stage.
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
The Growth Deal does not favour any political opinion and welcomes all individuals who meet the criteria e.g. those who live in a particular area. The selection of areas for improvement relate to set criterion such as levels of deprivation etc and although individuals living in close proximity may have similar political opinions, they are not considerations for the selection of Growth Deal projects.
As the Growth Deal projects selected are based on other factors, such as establishing conditions to encourage economic growth, they should not impact differently upon anyone of contrasting political affiliation and therefore have a neutral impact on this Section 75 group. Further consultations will take place at OBC stage.
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%
Documentation and communication materials will use plain English and relating pictorial formats. If required, communication materials may also be provided in alternate languages and in hard copy to support individual’s needs (upon request). Officers can provide support by telephone or face-to-face for individuals who may find reading difficult for a variety of reasons.
The Growth Deal should not impact adversely upon any racial group as views were sought from all members of the community, through public consultations. The Growth Deal objective is to promote prosperity which will support all local businesses and individuals. To date there is no evidence to show a detriment or benefit to any group within this Section 75 category- neutral impact. Further consultations will take place at OBC stage.
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
Growth Deal programmes will bring benefits to all ages within the borough. As the projects identified will bring a wide range of benefits across the three themes, they will provide spaces and opportunities to support social and community interaction between all ages. Certain projects are aimed at specific groups i.e. the proposed digital hubs will support remote workers and attract high paying jobs to the area. In conclusion, the project should have a positive impact on all ages. Further consultations will take place at OBC stage.
Marital Status
On Census Day 21 March 2021 the martial status was:
Census 2021 CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
Single 35.67% 38.07%
Married 47.81% 45.59%
Civil Partnership 0.14% 0.18%
Separated 3.32% 3.78%
Divorced/Civil Partnership
Dissolved 6.36% 6.02%
Widowed/
Surviving Civil Partner 6.71% 6.36%
The Growth Deal projects selected are to benefit all members of society regardless of their marital status. To date there is no evidence to show a detriment or benefit to any group within this Section 75 category – neutral impact. Further consultations will take place at OBC stage.
Sexual Orientation
On Census Day 21 March 2021 how people identified their sexual orientation was captured for the first time:
Census 2021 CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
Straight or Heterosexual 91.28% 90.04%
Gay or Lesbian 0.79% 1.17%
Bisexual 0.52% 0.75%
Other Sexual Orientation 0.12% 0.17%
Prefer Not to Say 3.94% 4.58%
Not Stated 3.34% 3.30%
The Growth Deal projects selected will benefit all regardless of their sexual orientation. To date there is no evidence to show a detriment or benefit to any group within this Section 75 category – neutral impact. Further consultations will take place at OBC stage.
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%)
The Growth Deal projects selected are open to all regardless of their gender. Some supported sectors traditionally appeal to specific genders e.g. hospitality, ICT and construction; therefore there may be a positive impact on this Section 75 grouping. In addition, consideration will be given to the design of new builds, in particular rest room facilities on a project by project basis to ensure all gender identities are catered to. To date there is no evidence to show a
detriment or benefit to any group within this Section 75 category – neutral impact. Further consultations will take place at OBC stage.
Dependants
On Census Day 21 March 2021 the household composition was:
Census 2021 CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
All Households 57,576 768,806
Households with no children 7,900 (13.72%) 101,464 (13.20%)
Households with one dependent child 6,170 (10.72%) 86,974 (11.31%)
Households with two or more dependent
children 9,877 (17.15%) 136,446 (17.75%)
Households with no dependent children 8,688 (15.09%) 110,145 (14.33%)
All Other Households 82,517 (43.32%) 333,777 (43.41%)
The Growth Deal projects selected are open to all whether they have or have no dependants. To date there is no evidence to show a detriment or benefit to any group within this Section 75 category – neutral impact. Further consultations will take place at OBC stage.
Disability
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
The Growth Deal projects selected are open to all ranges of ability. Research has shown that individuals with a long-term conditions may either lack ICT skills or conversely be heavily reliant on technology. The digital hub projects may create improvements for individuals within this Section 75 category. Further consultations will take place at OBC stage.
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, Men, Transgender men/women, Other: Impacts are determined to be neutral. Growth Deal projects will provide benefits to all sectors of society regardless of gender identification.
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, Other: Impacts are determined to be neutral. Growth Deal projects will develop improvements for all members of society regardless of race.
Disability Long term health impairment could include mental health problems, asthma, heart conditions, chronic fatigue etc.
Positive impact is determined at this point. Growth Deal projects include the development of digital hubs, utilising the digital connectivity upgrades from Project Stratum/Gigabit. There is potential for individuals to claim to suffer from Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS), although this is not a recognised medical condition. Educational/Skills projects developed in support of the Growth Deal will, where possible be adapted to ensure delivery is available to all, regardless of ability.
Sexual orientation Heterosexual, lesbian, gay men, bisexual, others
Neutral impact on this section. Growth Deal projects will provide benefits to all sectors of society regardless of sexual orientation.
Age Older People / Younger people and children
Positive impact on this section. Growth Deal projects will provide benefits to all citizens within the Borough regardless of age.
Political Opinion
Neutral impact on this section. Growth Deal projects were identified by consideration of needs in the Borough.
Religious Belief
Neutral impact on this section. Growth Deal projects were identified by consideration of needs in the Borough.
Martial Status
Neutral impact on this section. Growth Deal projects will provide benefits to all sectors of society regardless of marital status.
Dependants
Neutral impact on this section. Growth Deal projects will provide benefits to all sectors of society regardless of dependants.
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 Growth Deal PMO welcome statements from underrepresented groups wererelevant.
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 Growth Deal PMO welcome statements in a variety of languages from underrepresented groups were relevant.
Disability Long term health impairment could include mental health problems, asthma, heart conditions, chronic fatigue etc.
Yes. The Growth Deal PMO welcome statements in a variety of accessible formats for underrepresented groups were relevant. Reasonable adjustments will be made to delivery of educational/skills courses or infrastructure, were possible.
Sexual orientation Heterosexual, lesbian, gay men, bisexual, others
Yes. The Growth Deal PMO welcome statements for underrepresented groups were relevant.
Age Older People, Younger people and children
Yes.The Growth Deal PMO welcome statements in a variety of accessible formats for underrepresented groups were relevant.
Political Opinion
No. There is no significant impact on this indicator through Growth Deal project.
Religious Belief
No. There is no significant impact on this indicator through Growth Deal project.
Marital Status
No. There is no significant impact on this indicator through Growth Deal project.
Dependants
No. There is no significant impact on this indicator through Growth Deal project.
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: Projects themselves do not have a remit to improve good relations. None
Section 75 Category: Political Opinion
Level of impact: Projects themselves do not have a remit to improve good relations. None
Section 75 Category: Racial Group
Level of impact: Projects themselves do not have a remit to improve good relations. None
Screening Questions
4. Are there opportunities to better promote good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group?
Religious Belief: No. While the projects have no specific remit or intent to improve good relations, the fact that people from these different religious backgrounds are discussing the impacts, this may increase the potential for engagement between different groups through regeneration and tourism projects.
Political Opinion: No. While the projects have no specific remit or intent to improve good relations, the fact that people from these different political backgrounds are discussing the impacts, this may increase the potential
for engagement between different groups through regeneration and tourism projects.
Racial Group: No. While the projects have no specific remit or intent to improve good relations, the fact that people from these different racial backgrounds are discussing the impacts, this may increase the potential for engagement between different groups through regeneration and tourism projects.
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.)
Growth Deal projects will benefit all regardless of if they consider themselves to have multiple identities. Council welcomes the identification of new considerations not already noted and will consider them in when future reviews of individual projects take place.
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.
The Growth Deal has selected the nine projects to advance to Heads of Terms, all the projects will have a positive impact in generating economic prosperity that will facilitate the connection of individuals to network and develop business opportunities, enhance place making and develop support for upskilling.
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?
No
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
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:
The Growth Deal PMO has considered concerns raised about the Growth Deals project through direct engagement, and ongoing correspondence. The Growth Deal projects have been selected to positively impact the lives of every member of our society regardless of how they self-identify. Any further concerns raised as a result of the ongoing dialogue with representatives of the Section 75 groups will be considered in full and further changes made, where possible, to mitigate any adverse impacts identified at both OBC and Full Business Case (FBC) stage.
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:
Growth Deal will be reviewed at the end of each business case stage (SOC/OBC/FBC) and every two years thereafter. Any additional considerations will be noted and applied to future stages of the programme.