S75 Equality And Good Relations Screening Form
General Information: Policy/ Procedure
This is a new policy and procedure.
Operational Area: Infrastructure, Environmental Services
Title: Rescinding the decision to introduce charges to:
Sea Front car park – Ballycastle
Harbour car park – Ballycastle
Ferry Terminal car park – Ballycastle
Which are currently free.
Brief Summary:
As part of a revenue raising initiative elected members previously voted to introduce seasonal charging (1st April – 30th September) in a number of free car parks which are as follows:
• Sea Front car park – Ballycastle
• Harbour car park – Ballycastle
• Ferry Terminal car park – Ballycastle
• West Strand car park – Portrush
On the 26th of March 2024 elected members voted:
“Under Standing Order 23, we the undersigned propose, that this Council rescinds the decision to introduce car parking charges in Ballycastle as agreed on 8th February 2024. These were due to come into force on April 1st however, despite previous assurances, adequate provisions have not been put in place for the Residents of the seafront, businesses, boat owners and Rathlin Island visitors and residents. That car parking charges do not take effect on Ballycastle seafront until council officers bring proposals that adequately address these issues and can be and agreed by this council.”
What is it trying to achieve? (intended aims and outcomes)
To achieve adequate mitigation for those impacted in Ballycastle by the introduction of new charges.
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 Scheme.
• Equality Action Plan.
• Councils Corporate Strategy.
• Councils Community Plan.
• Councils Good Relation Strategy.
• Destination Management Strategy.
Legislation:
• Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Section 75).
• Local Government Reform Act 2014.
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.
There have been concerns raised with Elected Members about the charging impacts on individuals based on the charges in Ballycastle.
Prior to this there had been no complaints raised in relation to car parking charges within the Borough.
Results from the latest Citizens Survey shows opinions on car parking charges are mixed with some welcoming charges and the reasons for them, whilst others feel that car parking charges should be removed across the entire Borough.
A benchmarking exercise to determine car parking charges with other N.I. Councils was carried out in July 2024 (reviewed in September 2024 for accuracy). Fees ranged from 20p per hour to £1.20p per hour.
Council Hourly Tariff
Antrim & Newtownabbey 20p
Ards & North Down 30p – 50p
Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon 30p – 40p
Belfast City 20p - £1.20
Derry City & Strabane 50p – 80p
Fermanagh & Omagh 20p – 50p
Lisburn & Castlereagh 40p – 50p
Mid & East Antrim 60p or £2.50 all day special workers rate.
Mid Ulster 40p or £1.00 for 3 hours.
Newry Mourne & Down 50p
Causeway Coast & Glens 50p - £1.00
A BBC report in August 2024 had the headline of, “Low parking fees in N.I. Councils laughable.” This referred to the 20p charge in Belfast and Antrim and Newtownabbey Councils.
A further comparison is the Off-Street parking where in Belfast controlled parking zones have doubled in the last nine years from 80p per hour to £1.60p per hour.
Groups affected by the proposed charges in Ballycastle and Portrush and groups currently affected by current charges both internal and external:
External.
• Residents of North Street Ballycastle.
• Residents across the CC&GBC area.
• Local business owners and their staff in the CC&GBC area.
• Boat owners in Ballycastle.
• Residents of Rathlin Island.
• Visitors to CC&GBC area.
Internal.
• Staff and visitors in Riada House Council Offices.
(Visitors to Riada House are not monitored in terms of any section 75 category).
A proposal was brought to Council to introduce seasonal car parking charges in several car parks in Ballycastle at the seafront and also West Strand car park in Portrush on 8th February 2024.
Resolved – That Council introduce seasonal car parking charges at Ballycastle Seafront and Westbay from April to September, to be reviewed after one year.
This decision was subsequently rescinded at a Council meeting on 26th March 2024.
“Under Standing Order 23, we the undersigned propose, that this Council rescinds the decision to introduce car parking charges in Ballycastle as agreed on 8th February 2024. These were due to come into force on April 1st however, despite previous assurances, adequate provisions have not been put in place for the Residents of the seafront, businesses, boat owners and Rathlin Island visitors and residents. That car parking charges do not take effect on Ballycastle seafront until council officers bring proposals that adequately address these issues and can be and agreed by this council.”
Charging already takes place across the Borough in the following areas:
Car Park Location
Ann Street Ballycastle
Church Street Ballymoney
Townhead Street North & South Ballymoney
Castle Street Ballymoney
Connell Street Limavady
Central Limavady
The Mall Coleraine
Abbey Street Coleraine
Long Commons Coleraine
Railway Place Coleraine
Railway Road Coleraine
Dunluce Avenue Portrush
East Strand Portrush
Harbour Road Portrush
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.
- Council does not hold information on car park users under the Section 75 headings.
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%
District Electoral Catholic Protestant and Other religions No religion/
Area 2014 Label Other Christian religion not stated
(including Christian
related)
Ballymoney 7,159 13,170 157 4,033
Bann 5,815 9,005 105 2,610
Benbradagh 12,254 4,048 42 1,474
Causeway 4,258 14,636 248 5,400
Coleraine 5,128 12,674 270 5,553
Limavady 7,313 6,740 68 2,109
The Glens 11,374 3,964 71 2,068
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 2 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.
Due to the religious make-up of the Borough as outlined in the tables above there may potentially be negative impacts related to religion based on the demographics and placements of charged car parks throughout the Borough. This may be exacerbated by the Council decision to rescind the decision to introduce car parking charges in Ballycastle (The Glens).
There have been concerns raised with Elected Members about the charging impacts on individuals based on the charges in Ballycastle. However, there has been no opportunity for the rest of the Borough to comment on the decision to rescind the charges while they still pay for parking in their local area. The consultation will hopefully provide the opportunity for all residents to have their say.
Staff breakdown by Religious Belief / Community Background (Figures as at 21 October 2022)
Religious Belief /
Community Background Gender Number of Staff
Roman Catholic Male 119 (19.67%)
Female 126 (20.82%)
Protestant Male 199 (32.89%)
Female 128 (21.16%)
Non-Determined Male 17 (2.81%)
Female 16 (2.65%)
Total 605
Staff who work in Ballymoney are also impacted by charges in car parks as the free parking at the office building is not adequate to support the numbers of staff.
Individuals may have personal factors or economic reasons why these charges may detrimentally impact, which may or may not relate to equality factors.
A consultation process will support the identification of any currently unknown impacts.
Political Opinion
At the last local elections (2023) in Causeway Coast and Glens Councillor seats were deemed as follows:
Councillors total
Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) 13
Sinn Féin 12
Alliance Party 5
Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) 4
Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) 3
Traditional Unionist Voice 2
Other 1
Voting by District Alliance Democratic Progressive Sinn Féin Social Democratic Traditional Unionist Ulster
Electoral Area Unionist Unionist Party & Labour Voice Unionist
of NI
Ballymoney 1 2 2 1 1
Bann 2 2 1
Benbradagh 1 3 1
Causeway 2 3 1 1
Coleraine 1 2 1 1 1
Limavady 1 2 1 1
The Glens 1 3 1
In Northern Ireland religion, political opinion and national identity tend to be interlinked and therefore what impacts one of these Section 75 categories can also have a similar impact on the others.
The majority of charged car parks are based in DEA areas with a unionist majority as per the above table, i.e.
• Ballymoney - 3 charged car parks
• Causeway - 3 charged car parks.
• Coleraine – 5 charged car parks.
The other charged car parks are in Limavady which has 2 unionist and 2 nationalist elected representatives and in The Glens which has 4 nationalist, and 1 unionist elected representatives.
• Limavady – 2 charged car parks.
• The Glens – 1 charged car park.
The council currently has no data specific to its workforce regarding this Section 75 category.
Based on the above information there may be potential for a disproportionate adverse impact in regard to political opinion.
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.
As a result, the survey should be offered in alternative languages to ensure everyone has the opportunity to have their say and be able to understand the rescinding motion and its impact on them.
There is no data at District Electoral level to identify if the proposal will have a positive or negative impact on any of this Section 75 group.
Individuals may have personal factors or economic reasons why these charges may detrimentally impact, which may or may not relate to equality factors.
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%
Staff breakdown by Racial Group / Ethnic Origin (Figures as at 21 October 2022)
Racial Group / Ethnic Origin Number of Staff
Mixed Ethnic Group 1 (0.16%)
Other 2 (0.33%)
White / White European 546 (90.25%)
Unknown 56 (9.26%)
Total 605
A consultation process will support the identification of any currently unknown impacts.
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
District Electoral Area 2014 Aged 17+
Ballymoney 19,212
Bann 13,687
Benbradagh 13,531
Causeway 20,268
Coleraine 18,928
Limavady 12,988
The Glens 13,794
Based on the table above the number of charged car parks is disproportionate across the Borough, for example Coleraine have 5 charged car parks where as Bann and Benbradagh both have zero. This may create an inequality based on age.
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
Some staff currently pay for car parks in Ballymoney due to the lack of free parking at the Council building.
Individuals may have personal factors or economic reasons why these charges may detrimentally impact, which may or may not relate to equality factors.
A consultation process will support the identification of any currently unknown impacts.
Marital Status
Marital status by former legacy Council area (most recent figures available from Census 2021):
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
District Electoral Area 2014 Single - never Married or in a Separated -but Divorced or formerly Widowed or
married or never civil partnership still legally married in a civil partnership surviving
registered a civil or still legally in a which is now legally partner from a
partnership civil partnership dissolved civil
partnership.
Ballymoney 6,673 9,641 643 1,241 1,341
Bann 4,405 7,563 420 666 884
Benbradagh 5,120 6,853 485 616 694
Causeway 7,187 9,774 599 1,418 1,549
Coleraine 7,469 8,080 712 1,627 1,315
Limavady 4,895 5,862 509 930 972
The Glens 4,974 6,958 427 760 899
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%.
Staff breakdown by Marital Status (Figures as at 21 October 2022)
Marital Status Number of staff
Unknown 60 (9.92%)
Married \ Civil Partnership 336 (55.54%)
Divorced 12 (1.98%)
Other 19 (3.14%)
Separated 12 (1.98%)
Single 164 (27.11%)
Widowed 2 (0.33%)
Total 605
*2011 Married – This includes people who were remarried; those who are separated but still legally married; and those in a same-sex civil partnership.
**2011 Widowed includes surviving partner from a same-sex civil partnership.
Individuals may have personal factors or economic reasons why these charges may detrimentally impact, which may or may not relate to equality factors.
There is no evidence to indicate the proposal with either have a positive or negative impact on this section 75 grouping.
A consultation process will support the identification of any currently unknown impacts.
Sexual Orientation
The 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
District Electoral Straight or Gay, lesbian, Prefer not to
Area 2014 Label heterosexual bisexual, other say/Not stated.
sexual orientation
Ballymoney 17,925 217 1,396
Bann 12,929 131 878
Benbradagh 12,674 171 923
Causeway 18,595 401 1,531
Coleraine 17,293 386 1,525
Limavady 11,906 170 1,092
The Glens 12,882 160 973
The council currently has no data specific to its workforce regarding this category.
There is no evidence to indicate that the proposal will have a positive or negative impact on any of this Section 75 group.
A consultation process will support the identification of any currently unknown impacts.
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%)
Staff breakdown by Gender (Figures as at 21 October 2022)
Gender Number of staff
Male 335 (55.38%)
Female 270 (44.62%)
Total 605
District Electoral
Area 2014 Label Male Female
Ballymoney 11,993 12,526
Bann 8,678 8,857
Benbradagh 8,944 8,874
Causeway 11,961 12,581
Coleraine 11,374 12,251
Limavady 8,121 8,109
The Glens 8,777 8,700
As reflected in the above table there is no evidence to indicate that the proposal will have a positive or negative impact on any of this Section 75 group.
A consultation process will support the identification of any currently unknown impacts.
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%)
aged 5-11 1,470 (2.55%) 21,123 (2.75%)
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%)
District Electoral Area Provides no Provides 1 or more
2014 Label unpaid care hours unpaid care per week
Ballymoney 20,283 2,774
Bann 14,539 2,011
Benbradagh 14,612 1,974
Causeway 20,615 2,783
Coleraine 19,781 2,573
Limavady 13,577 1,804
The Glens 14,379 2,068
District Electoral Area Dependent child Not a dependent child
2014 Label
Ballymoney 5,760 18,581
Bann 4,161 13,304
Benbradagh 4,637 13,168
Causeway 4,705 19,506
Coleraine 5,163 17,962
Limavady 3,564 12,000
The Glens 4,018 13,270
Staff Family Status (Figures as at 21 October 2022)
Family Status Number of staff
Blank 298 (49.26%)
Adults(s) 11 (1.82%)
Child/Children 157 (25.95%)
None 138 (22.81%)
Other 1 (0.16%)
Total 605
Currently Council has no data on carpark usage in relation to Section 75 Categories.
There is no evidence to indicate that the proposal will have a positive or negative impact on any of this Section 75 group.
A consultation process will support the identification of any currently unknown impacts.
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%)
Currently Council has no data on carpark usage in relation to Section 75 Categories.
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
District Electoral Area Day-to-day activities Day-to-day activities Day-to-day activities
2014 Label limited a lot limited a little not limited
Ballymoney 2,908 3,211 18,399
Bann 1,693 2,392 13,450
Benbradagh 1,949 2,130 13,739
Causeway 2,715 3,501 18,326
Coleraine 2,999 3,584 17,042
Limavady 2,401 2,377 11,452
The Glens 1,964 2,478 13,034
Staff breakdown by Disability (Figures as at 21 October 2022)
With or Without a Disability Number of staff
No 591 (97.69%)
Yes 14 (2.31%)
Total 605
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.
There is no evidence to indicate that the proposal will have a positive or negative impact on any of this Section 75 group.
A consultation process will support the identification of any currently unknown impacts.
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 or Negative impact (it could disadvantage).
Gender
Women, Men, Transgender men/women, Other: Neutral impact on this section. The data did not identify that Gender was a factor which would be impacted by the introduction or removal of car 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 impact on this section. The data did not identify that Race was a factor which would be impacted by the introduction or removal of car parking charges.
Measures will be put in place to support individuals whose first language is not English to take part in the consulation.
Disability Long term health impairment could include mental health problems, asthma, heart conditions, chronic fatigue etc.
Neutral impact on this section. The data did not identify that Disability was a factor which would be impacted by the introduction or removal of car parking charges.
Measures will be put in place to support individuals with a disability to take part in the consulation.
Sexual orientation Heterosexual, lesbian, gay men, bisexual, others
Neutral impact on this section. The data did not identify that sexual orientation was a factor which would be impacted by the introduction or removal of car parking charges.
Age Older People: Minor negative impact on this section. Younger people and children: Neutral impact on this section.
The data identified the number of charged car parks may create an imbalance whereby older people may be impacted depending on where they reside, socialise or shop. This would still be an impact if the charging for Ballycastle was removed.
Political Opinion
Minor negative impact on this section. The data identified an imbalance with regards to political opinion demonstrated by voting patterns within each of the DEA’s.
Religious Belief
Minor negative impact on this section. The data identified an imbalance with regards to religious belief demonstrated by DEA related census data.
Martial Status
Neutral impact on this section. The data did not identify that marital status was a factor which would be impacted by the introduction or removal of car parking charges.
Dependants
Neutral impact on this section. The data did not identify that dependants was a factor which would be impacted by the introduction or removal of car 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 proposal does not support opportunity to better 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 better 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 consultation process has incorporated mitigation measures to provide equality of opportunity for individuals with a disability.
Sexual orientation Heterosexual, lesbian, gay men, bisexual, others.
No. The proposal does not support opportunity to better promote equality of opportunity in relation to sexual orientation.
Age Older People, Younger people and children.
No. The proposal does not support opportunity to better 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.
No. The policy does not support opportunity to promote equality of opportunity in relation to dependants.
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. The policy may detrimentally impact on good relations in relation to Religious Belief.
Section 75 Category: Political Opinion.
Level of impact: Minor. The policy may detrimentally impact on good relations in relation to Political Opinion.
Section 75 Category: Racial Group.
Level of impact: None. The policy is unlikely to impact on good relations in relation to 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: No. The proposal has no remit to impact on good relations.
Political Opinion: No. The proposal has no remit to impact on good relations.
Racial Group: No. The proposal 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 will be 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.
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.
There is potential that older protestant individuals who reside in a Unionist area may be detrimentally impacted.
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 Council as part of the consultation process could support translation and the use of QR codes to create direct links to the survey.
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?
Yes. Using the mitigation measures identified.
Screening Decision.
Likely Impact: Minor - Major
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:
The impact on Political Opinion, Religious belief and age could have a minor to major adverse impact on service users. The EQIA framework will facilitate the identification of the impact level and support the identification of mitigation measures going forward.
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:
As above.
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 – EQIA is recommended.
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 3
Social Need 1
Effect on people’s daily lives 3
Relevance to the Council’s functions 3
Monitoring.
Please outline proposals for future monitoring of the policy/decision:
The impact of the proposal will be monitored as part of the EQIA.
Approval And Authorisation
Screened By: Car Parks & Concessionary Trading Manager, 17/09/24
Approved By: Head of Environmental Services, 17/09/24