Introducing charges to free car parks.
S75 Equality And Good Relations Screening Form
General Information: Policy/ Procedure
Is this an existing, revised or a new function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance? New
Operational Area: Infrastructure, Environmental Services
Title: Introducing charges to free car parks.
Brief Summary:
As part of a revenue raising initiative elected members have voted to introduce charging in a number of free car parks which are as follows;
• West Strand car park – Portrush
• Sea Front car park – Ballycastle
• Harbour car park – Ballycastle
• Ferry Terminal car park - Ballycastle
What is it trying to achieve? (intended aims and outcomes)
This is a revenue raising opportunity for Council and will also assist in mitigating the disparity in free to charge ratio which exists in other towns across the Borough.
This is in line with the CC&GBC car parking strategy 2017 – 2027.
Who owns and who implements each element of the function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?
Infrastructure team own and implement all elements of car parking.
Other policies etc. which have a bearing on this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?
Strategies:
• CC&GBC car parking strategy 2017 – 2027.
• Councils Equality Strategy
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.
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.
There is no evidence to indicate that this policy/procedure will have a positive or negative impact on any of this Section 75 group.
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
There is no evidence to indicate that this policy/procedure will have a positive or negative impact on any of this Section 75 group.
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%
The 2021 Census detailed 98.55% of our population is white, with 1.45% from an ethnic background. The largest minority ethnic groups in Causeway Coast and Glens are the Chinese (0.22%), Indian (0.15%) and Filipino (0.10%). The proportion of ethnic groups from a non-white background has increased in Causeway Coast and Glens over the last 10 years by 0.95% slightly increasing the diversity in our population.
There is no evidence to indicate that this policy/procedure will have a positive or negative impact on any of this Section 75 group.
The changes will be publicised on the Councils website which supports translation into various languages for the 2% of our population noted below.
Main Language Census 2021 CC&G Borough Council
English 98%
Other languages 2%
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
Only those of 17 years of age plus will be impacted as licenced vehicle drivers.
Statistics in the table above highlight an ageing population.
Staff breakdown by Age (Figures as at 21 October 2022)
Age Group Number of staff
22-29 21 (3.47%)
30-34 28 (4.63%)
35-39 64 (10.58%)
40-44 71 (11.74%)
45-49 99 (16.36%)
50-54 115 (19.01%)
55-59 92 (15.21%)
60-64 88 (14.54%)
65-120 27 (4.46%)
Total 605
A number of staff may be impacted by the introduction of charging to car parks however similar situations exist at other Council facilities.
There is no evidence to indicate that this policy/procedure will have a positive or negative impact on any of this Section 75 group.
Marital Status
On Census Day 21 March 2021 the martial status was:
Marital and civil partnership status MS-A30:
Census 2021 CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
Single (never married or never
registered a civil partnership) 40,720 (35.67%) 576,708 (38.07%)
Married 54,576 (47.81%) 690,509 (45.59%)
In a civil partnership 155 (0.14%) 2,742 (0.18%)
Separated (but still legally married
or still legally in a civil partnership) 3,795 (3.32%) 57,272 (3.78%)
Divorced or formerly in a civil
partnership which is now legally
dissolved 7,258 (6.36%) 91,128 (6.02%)
Widowed or surviving partner from
a civil partnership 7,655 (6.71%) 96,384 (6.36%)
All usual residents aged 16 and over 114,159 1,514,743
Causeway Coast and Glens follows a similar pattern to that of Northern Ireland in that the highest percentage of residents are married (47.81% compared with the NI average of 45.59%). The patterns are all higher than the NI average with the exception of Individuals in a civil partnership lens at 0.14% is slightly lower than the NI average of 0.18%.
There is no evidence to indicate that this policy/procedure will have a positive or negative impact on any of this Section 75 group.
Sexual Orientation
he 2021 census for the first time included a question on sexual orientation.
Sexual orientation MS-C01: Census 2021
CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
Straight or heterosexual 104,205 (91.28%) 1,363,859 (90.04%)
Gay or lesbian 906 (0.79%) 17,713 (1.17%)
Bisexual 596 (0.52%) 11,306 (0.75%)
Other sexual orientation 135 (0.12%) 2,597 (0.17%)
Prefer not to say 4,502 (3.94%) 69,307 (4.58%)
Not stated 3,816 (3.34%) 49,961 (3.30%)
All usual residents aged 16
and over 114,160 1,514,743
There is no evidence to indicate that this policy/procedure will have a positive or negative impact on any of 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%)
There is no evidence to indicate that this policy/procedure will have a positive or negative impact on any of this Section 75 group.
Dependants
In Causeway Coast and Glens 28% of households include dependent children, compared with the NI average of 29.21%.
Number of dependent children - households
MS-A24: Census 2021 CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
All households 57,577 768,809
No children in household 31,968 (55.52%) 423,956 (55.14%)
No dependent children in household/
All children in household non-dependent 9,490 (16.48%) 120,314 (15.65%)
One dependent child aged 0-4 1,816 (3.15%) 27,233 (3.54%)
One dependent child aged 5-11 1,470 (2.55%) 21,123 (2.75%)
One dependent child aged 12-18 2,919 (5.07%) 39,203 (5.10%)
Two dependent children:
youngest aged 0-4 2,293 (3.98%) 32,598 (4.24%)
youngest aged 5-11 2,635 (4.58%) 36,534 (4.75%)
youngest aged 12-18 1,398 (2.43%) 18,532 (2.41%)
Three or more dependent children:
youngest aged 0-4 1,773 (3.08%) 24,120 (3.14%)
youngest aged 5-11 1,562 (2.71%) 21,677 (2.82%)
youngest aged 12-18 253 (0.44%) 3,519 (0.46%)
There is no evidence to indicate that this policy/procedure will have a positive or negative impact on any of this Section 75 group.
Disability
Disability The Census 2021 showed that 35.95% of our residents has a long-term health condition or illness which limits their daily activities or the work they can do, which is slightly higher than the NI average of 34.67%.
Number of long-term health conditions MS-D04:
Census 2021 CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
All usual residents 141,746 1,903,176
Does not have a long-term health condition 90,793 (64.05%) 1,243,371 (65.33%)
1 long-term health condition 26,690 (18.83%) 344,687 (18.11%)
2 long-term health conditions 12,121 (8.55%) 151,512 (7.96%)
3 long-term health conditions 6,220 (4.39%) 81,075 (4.26%)
4 long-term health conditions 3,440 (2.43%) 46,166 (2.43%)
5 or more long-term health conditions 2,482 (1.75%) 36,365 (1.91%)
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
All signage is provided in the appropriate font to support those with visual impairment.
Signage uses plain English and simple wording to support easy read and understanding.
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: Neutral. All genders will be impacted the same. Gender is not a factor in introducing parking charges.
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: Neutral. Mitigation has been provided to support those from different racial backgrounds to avail of an efficient and effective service.
Disability Long term health impairment could include mental health problems, asthma, heart conditions, chronic fatigue etc.
Neutral. Mitigation has been provided to support those individuals with a disability to avail of an efficient and effective service.
Sexual orientation Heterosexual, lesbian, gay men, bisexual, others
Neutral. All individuals will be treated the same irrespective of their sexual orientation. Sexual orientation is not a factor in introducing parking charges.
Age Older People / Younger people and children
Neutral. Mitigation has been provided to support those older individuals to avail of an efficient and effective service. Younger individuals under the age of seventeen are legally unable to drive.
Political Opinion
Neutral. All individuals with various political opinions will be impacted the same. Political opinion is not a factor in introducing parking charges.
Religious Belief
Neutral. All individuals with various religious beliefs will be impacted the same. Religious belief is not a factor in introducing parking charges. Although demographical statistics may show certain areas within our Borough may have a higher make up of one predominant religious belief over another. However, the overall system will support equality.
Martial Status
Neutral. All individuals regardless of their marital status will be impacted the same. Marital status is not a factor in introducing parking charges.
Dependants
Neutral. All individuals regardless to whether they have dependents or not will be impacted by the same parking charges.
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)
No. The policy does not support opportunity to promote equality of opportunity in relation to gender.
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. There is some opportunity to promote equality of opportunity in relation to race by providing information in various languages which has been taken into consideration.
Disability Long term health impairment could include mental health problems, asthma, heart conditions, chronic fatigue etc.
Yes. The policy has incorporated mitigation measures to provide equality of opportunity for individuals with a disability.
Sexual orientation Heterosexual, lesbian, gay men, bisexual, others
No. The policy does not support opportunity to promote equality of opportunity in relation to sexual orientation.
Age Older People, Younger people and children
No. The policy does not support opportunity to promote equality of opportunity in relation to age.
Political Opinion
No. The policy does not support opportunity to promote equality of opportunity in relation to political opinion.
Religious Belief
No. The policy does not support opportunity to promote equality of opportunity in relation to religious belief.
Marital Status
No. The policy does not support opportunity to promote equality of opportunity in relation to marital status.
Dependants
Yes. There is some opportunity to promote equality of opportunity in relation to dependents by providing parent/toddler parking spaces which has been taken into consideration.
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: The policy is unlikely to impact on good relations in relation to Religious Belief. None
Section 75 Category: Political Opinion
Level of impact: The policy is unlikely to impact on good relations in relation to Political Opinion. None
Section 75 Category: Racial Group
Level of impact: The policy is unlikely to impact on good relations in relation to Racial Group. 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. The process has no remit to impact on good relations.
Political Opinion: No. The process has no remit to impact on good relations.
Racial Group: No. The process has no remit to impact on good relations.
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.)
Measures have been put in place to support those with multiple identities, for example, older individuals were informed of the process through more traditional forms of advertisements, e.g., newspapers and notices in the car parks and younger individuals on Council website. Further investigation is currently being undertaking in respect of disabled minority ethic individuals to support them to have information provided in a suitable language at the appropriate height on the parking machines via a QR code.
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.
Measures have been put in place to support those with multiple identities, example, all genders and ages with dependents can use the cashless parking app or pay by phone method to pay for their parking without having to physically attend a parking machine. Further investigation is currently being undertaking in respect of disabled minority ethic individuals to support them to have information provided in a suitable language at the appropriate height on the parking machines via a QR code and BSL translation facility for members of the Deaf community.
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. Further investigation is currently being undertaking in respect of disabled minority ethic individuals to support them to have information provided in a suitable language at the appropriate height on the parking machines via a QR code and BSL translation facility for members of the Deaf community.
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 Council is currently investigating further mitigation opportunities such as QR codes and translation facilities.
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?
Yes
If YES, give the reasons to support your decision, together with the proposed changes/amendments or alternative policy:
The Council is currently investigating further mitigation opportunities such as QR codes and translation facilities.
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 impact of the policy will be reviewed in one years’ time, and this will be presented to the elected members. Any additional mitigation introduced will be piloted to ensure it has addressed the issue effectively.
Approval And Authorisation
Screened By: Car Parks & Concessionary Trading Manager, 4 March 2024
Approved By: #