Statement of Community Involvement in Planning (SCI) (Revised February 2025). Equality Screening

S75 Equality And Good Relations Screening Form

General Information

This is a revised Policy/Procedure and Project.

Operational Area: Planning Department.

Title: Statement of Community Involvement in Planning (SCI) (Revised February 2025).

Brief Summary

The Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) sets out the Council’s policy/procedures for involving and consulting the community and other interested parties on its planning functions.

The requirement to produce a SCI is contained within the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (the 2011 Act) which introduced a new reformed two-tier planning system. The Planning (Statement of Community Involvement) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 set out how this should be carried out.

The SCI details how the community and other interested parties will be involved in the following areas:-

• The preparation of the Local Development Plan;
• Development Management;
• Planning Enforcement;
• Supplementary Planning Guidance;
• Conservation Area Designation; and
• Simplified Planning Zone Designation.

What is it trying to achieve? (intended aims and outcomes)

The aim of the SCI is to set out how and when the community and other interested parties will be consulted and/or be able to engage in key areas of the Council’s planning functions, with the objective of creating an open and transparent process, inclusive to all, for developing the Borough.

Opportunities for consultation/engagement will apply equally to all service users.

Who owns and who implements each element of the function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?

The Council’s Planning Department owns and implements the SCI.

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

Strategies:

• Draft Programme for Government (dPFG).
• Regional Development Strategy (RDS) 2035.
• “Everyone’s Involved” Sustainable Development Strategy.
• UK Marine Policy Statement.
• Marine Plan for Northern Ireland.
• Strategic Planning Policy Statement for NI (SPPS).
• Council’s Corporate Strategy.
• Council’s Community Plan.

Studies, Publications, Statistics and Guidance:

• Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency – Census 2021.
• Development Plan Practice Note (DPPN) 02: Statement of Community Involvement v2 (DfI, August 2015).
• Development Management Practice Note (DMPN) 02: Statement of Community Involvement v2 (DfI, August 2015).

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council have an Equality Scheme which contains responsibilities to consult under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The Council’s Equality Officer has been informed of this Equality Impact Screening.

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.
• Does your practice treat rural and urban citizens in the same way? Yes.

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.
• 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 SCI policy/procedures has included measures to treat urban and rural users equally.
• The SCI is a reflection of the requirement set out in the Planning Act 2011 (“the 2011 Act”) and Planning (Statement of Community Involvement) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015. The (former) DOE (now DfI) undertook an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) for the reform of the planning system (published in March 2010) stemming from primary legislation, the 2011 Act. This Act sets out the process for the preparation of the SCI. This equality screening exercise for the SCI draws upon conclusions reached in the EQIA undertaken during consultation on reform. The (former) DOE considered that the regulations would not disproportionately affect any section 75 group. There was no evidence of any impact in terms of equality of opportunity or good relations, as the aim is to improve the planning process to the benefit of all users including Section 75 groups.

Religious Beliefs

The 2021 Census outlined:

Religion / religion brought up in:

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 an increasing 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.

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 i.e., Roman Catholic and Protestant. However, we also have a number of individuals (5.64%) who do not practice a specific religion or who do not wish to be grouped into a specific religion. In addition, we have a small number of individuals who practice other religions.

The Council first published its initial SCI for public comment in 2016, but no feedback was received. Since then, there have been no requests for additional mitigation to support this Section 75 Group, nor any complaints related to Religious Belief.

There is no evidence to indicate that the SCI will have a positive or negative impact on any within 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)3:

The Council first published its initial SCI for public comment in 2016, but no feedback was received. Since then, there have been no requests for additional mitigation to support this Section 75 Group, nor any complaints related to Political Opinion.

There is no evidence to indicate that the SCI will have a positive or negative impact on any within this Section 75 Group.

Racial Group

On Census Day 21 March 2021 the resident population was: 4

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.

Of the total population in Causeway Coast and Glens 3.45% of our residents were born outside the UK/Ireland as demonstrated in the table above this is an increase over the last 10 years of 0.56%.

Although our population is becoming more diverse 97.8% speak English as their main language. The other main languages spoken are Polish, Irish and Portuguese closely followed by Arabic, Bulgarian, Chinese and Cantonese.

It is important to note that while other family members may be able to support translation, 1.30% or 750 households do not speak English as their main language and therefore would require translation services.

An interpreter can be provided to support community involvement as necessary. In addition, consultation documents or information can be provided in a suitable language to facilitate involvement by the 2% of our current residents who do not speak English as their main language. This may be achieved by publishing information on the Councils website which supports translation, by providing hard copy translated documents or verbally through the interpreter.

The Council first published its initial SCI for public comment in 2016, but no feedback was received. Since then, there have been no requests for additional mitigation to support this Section 75 Group, nor any complaints related to Racial Group.

There is no evidence to indicate that the SCI will have a positive or negative impact on any within this Section 75 Group.

Age

Age: (NISRA Census 2021 – Table MS-A02)[1]

[1] Source : Northern Ireland Statistics website: www.nisra.gov.uk census-2021-ms-a02.xlsx (live.com)
Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO.

[2] Source : Northern Ireland Statistics website: 2020-based interim population projections - statistical bulletin (nisra.gov.uk)
Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO.

Large Print copies of all consultation documents or information will be made available. Additionally face to face consultation formats or meetings can be provided. Officers can travel to a more suitable location throughout our borough or can offer digital meetings, briefings or information and feedback sessions. To support older people who may not have digital connectivity consultations will be advertised in local papers.

The Council first published its initial SCI for public comment in 2016, but no feedback was received. Since then, there have been no requests for additional mitigation to support this Section 75 Group, nor any complaints related to Age.

There is no evidence to indicate that the SCI will have a positive or negative impact on any within this Section 75 Group.

Marital Status

Marital Status:

Marital status by Council area (most recent figures available from Census 2021):

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 which at 0.14% is slightly lower than the NI average of 0.18%.

Same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland has been legal since 13 January 2020. (Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019)

The Council first published its initial SCI for public comment in 2016, but no feedback was received. Since then, there have been no requests for additional mitigation to support this Section 75 Group, nor any complaints related to Marital Status.

There is no evidence to indicate that the SCI will have a positive or negative impact on any within this Section 75 Group.

Sexual orientation

The 2021 census for the first time included a question on sexual orientation.

The council currently has no data specific to its workforce.

The Council first published its initial SCI for public comment in 2016, but no feedback was received. Since then, there have been no requests for additional mitigation to support this Section 75 Group, nor any complaints related to Sexual Orientation.

There is no evidence to indicate that the SCI will have a positive or negative impact on any within this Section 75 Group.

Gender

Gender: (Census 2021 – Table MS-A07) [1]

[1] Source : Northern Ireland Statistics website: www.nisra.gov.uk census-2021-ms-a07.xlsx (live.com)
Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO.

The Council first published its initial SCI for public comment in 2016, but no feedback was received. Since then, there have been no requests for additional mitigation to support this Section 75 Group, nor any complaints related to gender.

There is no evidence to indicate that the SCI will have a positive or negative impact on any within this Section 75 Group.

Dependents

In Causeway Coast and Glens 28% of households include dependent children, compared with the NI average of 29.21%.

In Causeway Coast and Glens 9.61% of households comprise of a lone parent and a dependent child or children, compared with the NI average of 10.58%.

At the time of the Census, 12.32% of people stated that they provided unpaid care to family, friends, neighbours or others; this is slightly lower than the NI average of 12.42%.

To assist individuals who provide care and may be unable to leave their homes or for those without dependants who would find it more convenient, we can offer the option of online meetings with relevant officers to gain opinions or feedback. Consultees can provide feedback on-line, in writing or by telephone.

The Council first published its initial SCI for public comment in 2016, but no feedback was received. Since then, there have been no requests for additional mitigation to support this Section 75 Group, nor any complaints related to whether someone has dependants or not.

There is no evidence to indicate that the SCI will have a positive or negative impact on any within this Section 75 Group.

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%.

In our borough long-term pain or discomfort affects the most individuals, followed by mobility or dexterity that limits physical activities.

Source: NISRA, Census 2021, tables MS-D03, MS-D04 through to MS-D16

To assist individuals, we can provide information in a suitable format e.g large print, braille, daisy, easy read, Sign Video etc. We also offer the option of online meetings with relevant officers to gain opinions or feedback. Consultees can provide feedback on-line, in writing or by telephone.

The Council first published its initial SCI for public comment in 2016, but no feedback was received. Since then, there have been no requests for additional mitigation to support this Section 75 Group, nor any complaints related to disability.

There is no evidence to indicate that the SCI will have a positive or negative impact on any within 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 Neutral impact
Men Neutral impact
Transgender men/women Neutral impact
Other please specify Neutral impact

Reason: The policy and procedures will apply to all service users. There is no evidence that the proposed SCI will have positive or negative impact for this group.

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 Neutral impact
Black Neutral impact
Chinese Neutral impact
Mixed race Neutral impact
Other please specify Neutral impact

Reason: The policy and procedures will apply to all service users. Mitigation will be offered to support as necessary. There is no evidence that the proposed SCI will have positive or negative impact for this group.

Disability
Long term health impairment could include mental health problems, asthma, heart conditions, chronic fatigue etc.

Neutral impact

Reason: The policy and procedures will apply to all service users. Mitigation will be offered to support as necessary. There is no evidence that the proposed SCI will have impact in a positive or negative fashion to this group.

Sexual orientation

Heterosexual, lesbian, gay men, bisexual, others

Neutral impact

Reason: The policy and procedures will apply to all service users. There is no evidence that the proposed SCI will have positive or negative impact for this group.

Age

Older People Minor Negative impact
Younger people and children Neutral impact

Reason: The policy and procedures will apply to all service users. Mitigation will be offered to support as necessary. There is no evidence that the proposed SCI will have positive or negative impact for this group.

Political Opinion

Neutral impact

Reason: The policy and procedures will apply to all service users. There is no evidence that the proposed SCI will have positive or negative impact for this group.

Religious Belief

Neutral impact

Reason: The policy and procedures will apply to all service users. There is no evidence that the proposed SCI will have positive or negative impact for this group.

Martial Status

Neutral impact

Reason: The policy and procedures will apply to all service users. There is no evidence that the proposed SCI will have positive or negative impact for this group.

Dependants

Neutral impact

Reason: The policy and procedures will apply to all service users. There is no evidence that the proposed SCI will have positive or negative impact for this group.

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. This will have equality of opportunity for all gender as there are opportunities for them to participate in the process or have others participate on their behalf.

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)

No. This will have equality of opportunity for all race as there are opportunities for them to participate in the process or have others participate on their behalf.

Disability

Long term health impairment could include mental health problems, asthma, heart conditions, chronic fatigue etc.

No. This will have equality of opportunity for all with or without a disability as there are opportunities for them to participate in the process or have others participate on their behalf.

Sexual orientation

Heterosexual, lesbian, gay men, bisexual, others

No. This will have equality of opportunity for all irrespective of sexual orientation as there are opportunities for them to participate in the process or have others participate on their behalf.

Age

Older People, Younger people and children

No. This will have equality of opportunity for all ages as there are opportunities for them to participate in the process or have others participate on their behalf.

Political Opinion

No. This will have equality of opportunity for all irrespective of political opinion as there are opportunities for them to participate in the process or have others participate on their behalf.

Religious Belief

No. This will have equality of opportunity for all irrespective of religious belief as there are opportunities for them to participate in the process or have others participate on their behalf.

Marital Status

No. This will have equality of opportunity for all irrespective of marital status as there are opportunities for them to participate in the process or have others participate on their behalf.

Dependants

No. This will have equality of opportunity for all irrespective of whether they have dependents or not as there are opportunities for them to participate in the process or have others participate on their behalf.

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: None. This does not distinguish between people of different religious beliefs.

Section 75 Category: Political Opinion
Level of impact: None. This does not distinguish between people of different religious beliefs.

Section 75 Category: Racial Group
Level of impact: None. This does not distinguish between people of different racial groups.

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. Although the consultation process will provide a conduit for people of all religious beliefs or without them; to express their views, it does not specifically aim to promote good relations.

Political Opinion: No. Although the consultation process will provide a conduit for people of all political opinions to express their views, it does not specifically aim to promote good relations.

Racial Group: No. Although the consultation process will provide a conduit for people of all racial groups to express their views, it does not specifically aim to promote 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.)

The SPPS states that the SCI is a key tool in increasing awareness of the scope for community participation and involvement in the planning process. The SCI offers opportunities, through enhanced community involvement, by all those affected by the Council’s planning function.
The needs of individuals with multiple identities have already been considered in the mitigation measures implemented. However, if at any stage in the lifespan of the SCI requests for additional mitigation are received, they will be considered at that time and implemented as necessary.

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.

Young men with caring responsibilities can provide feedback online, older disabled women can request a paper copy of any consultation and return their viewpoints using the freepost envelope provided. Muslim women may request to meet with a female officer to provide their opinions. Key section 75 stakeholders will be invited to provide feedback as part of the SCI.

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. No new opportunities have been identified at this time.

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.

Please give further information and examples:

The SCI can be made available, on request, in an alternative format, including large print, PDF, Word, CD/DVD and audio/signed CD format, DAISY or Braille. Alternatively, users can use Sign Video to call and speak to a Council Officer through an interpreter (free of charge). Key disability representatives will be invited to provide feedback as part of the SCI.

Screening Decision

Likely Impact None

If the decision is to subject the policy to an equality impact assessment (i.e. likely impact – Major), please provide details of the reasons for this:
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:
N/A

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

Mitigation measures have been included in the SCI process. At the last public consultation, no further measures were identified. However, if at any stage in the lifespan of the SCI; requests for additional mitigation are received, they will be considered and implemented as necessary.

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:

Mitigation measures have been included in the SCI process. At the last public consultation, no further measures were identified. However, if at any stage in the lifespan of the SCI; requests for additional mitigation are received, they will be considered and implemented as necessary.

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 SCI must be regularly reviewed as required under the Planning (Statement of Community Involvement) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015, which sets out the process by which the SCI will be produced. No dates are specified as there may be a number of scenarios prompting a review of the SCI (e.g., in the case of new or updated legislation and/or guidance from central government). However, all Council policies are reviewed every 2 years to ensure they are up-to-date and fit for purpose.

Approval And Authorisation

Screened By: Principal Planning Officer, 4 February 2025

Approved By: Head of Planning, 4 February 2025