S75 Equality And Good Relations Screening Form
General Information: This is a new project.
Operational Area: Council Wide.
Title: “Footpaths Are for People” Educational Campaign (#Don’tblockthepath).
Brief Summary:
The “Footpaths Are for People” campaign aims to raise awareness of the dangers and barriers caused by pavement parking and to encourage considerate, legal, and inclusive parking behaviours across the borough. In line with Council’s commitment to equality of access under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act.
What is it trying to achieve? (intended aims and outcomes)
Aims
- Raise public awareness about the impact of pavement parking on people with disabilities, parents with prams, and older people.
- Use storytelling and videos of real people to humanise the issue.
- Engage and encourage community pride and pressure using local voices and digital tools.
- Encourage a shift in driver behaviour through education and community leadership.
Outcomes
- Build strong, cross-community consensus for inclusive public spaces.
- Showcase cross-party leadership on inclusion and accessibility.
- The campaign supports the Council’s duties under:
- The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (as amended); and
- Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.
- It also aligns with Council’s Corporate Strategy outcomes on accessibility, safety, and inclusion.
Who owns and who implements each element of the function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?
Campaign Ownership:
The “Footpaths Are for People, Not Parking” campaign is owned by the Diversity Ambassador, Mayor, and Elected Members, reflecting Council’s commitment to promoting accessibility, inclusion, and respect for all citizens.
Alignment with Statutory Duties:
The campaign supports Council’s obligations under:
- The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (as amended); and
- Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, particularly in promoting equality of opportunity and fostering good relations among different groups.
Implementation Responsibility:
- The Public Relations Department leads on campaign communications, public engagement, and internal awareness.
- The ICT Team provides technical support and videography for digital campaign materials.
- Elected Members promote community leadership by endorsing key messages and engaging with local constituents.
- The Equality Unit contributes lived experience perspectives, maintains liaison with representative bodies, and updates the Equality Forum on progress and community feedback.
Monitoring and Review
The Equality Unit will:
- Seek feedback from the Equality Forum and community partners on perceived impacts following the campaign;
- Monitor public engagement via social media, website interactions, and other feedback channels; and
- Report outcomes to the Senior Leadership Team and Elected Members for consideration in future accessibility and inclusion initiatives.
Other policies etc. which have a bearing on this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?
Strategies:
Causeway Coast and Glens:
- Equality Action Plan.
- Good Relations Strategy 2023-2026.
- Corporate Strategy 2021-2025.
- Community Planning Strategy 2017-2030.
External:
- Draft NI programme for Government Framework 2024-2027.
- DfC - Building Inclusive Communities Strategy 2020-2025 - focused on collaborative efforts involving government and community bodies to support inclusion.
- Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 which promotes equality of opportunity for all.
Available Evidence
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 2024.
- The issues identified by members of the Equality Forum.
- Department of Infrastructure Pavement Parking Consultation highlighted:
• Over 9 out of 10 respondents (94%) thought that pavement parking is a problem.
• The majority (94%) of respondents thought that action is necessary to manage pavement parking differently to the current approach.
• Almost 7 out of 10 (68%) of respondents thought that a general ban on pavement parking was necessary.
• 91% of respondents thought that inconsiderate parking across dropped kerbs is also an issue that needed addressing.
https://www.infrastructure-ni....
• The Travel Survey, a self-selecting online survey conducted across the UK in May 2020, found that pavement parking is a serious barrier to blind and partially sighted people making walking journeys.”
RNIB (2021). Seeing Streets Differently: How changes to our streets and vehicles are affecting the lives of blind and partially sighted people. RNIB.
https://media.rnib.org.uk/docu...
• Sustrain Walking and Cycling Index 2023: Making streets accessible for everyone helps with health and wellbeing and it builds community. The report found that 73% of people would find prohibiting vehicles parking on pavements useful for them to walk or wheel more.
https://www.walkwheelcycletrus...
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
According to the 2021 Census, residents of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council broadly reflect the religious profile of Northern Ireland, with 40.1% Roman Catholic (45.7% regionally) and 51.2% Protestant and Other Christian (43.5% regionally). A further 0.8% in the borough (1.5% regionally) identified with other religions, while 7.9% locally (9.3% regionally) reported no religion or chose not to state one.
As of 6 June 2024, Council employed 682 staff, comprising 39% Roman Catholic, 55% Protestant, and 5% Non-Determined, reflecting representation from across the main community backgrounds.
No equality issues have been identified in relation to this category, and the policy content does not conflict with any recognised religious practices.
No differential impact on this category as the campaign is universal and not targeted at or likely to disadvantage any religious group.
Political Opinion
The 2024 Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey shows that the Alliance Party (24%) is the party people feel closest to, followed by Sinn Féin (20%), with unionist parties at 22% and nationalist parties at 30%; 17% chose none or didn’t know, highlighting both Alliance’s growth and a notable proportion of the population remaining disengaged from or undecided about party politics. (this information is not available at local government level).
No staff information is held regarding this category.
No differential impact on this category as the campaign is universal and not targeted at or likely to disadvantage any political opinion. Content is non-political and focuses solely on pedestrian safety/access.
Racial Group
According to the 2021 Census, while the local population is becoming more diverse, 97.8% still speak English as their main language, with Polish, Irish, Portuguese, Arabic, Bulgarian, Chinese, and Cantonese also spoken locally.
As of 6 June 2024, 92% of Council staff identified as White/White European, 0.3% as Other, and 7.6% were Unknown. To support inclusion and understanding, videos will include captions. Where someone from the deaf community is being recorded a signer will be present and can provide a verbal response also.
No differential impact on this category as the campaign is universal, however people whose first language is not English may benefit from accessible, plain-language messaging.
Age
According to the 2021 Census, the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough has a population of 141,745, with a slightly higher proportion of residents aged 50 and over, indicating an ageing population.
NISRA’s 2020-based projections show this trend continuing, with people aged 65+ expected to outnumber children by 2027.
As of 6 June 2024, the Council employed 682 staff, with the majority aged 40 and over.
To ensure inclusion, information can be provided in large print video format or Easy Read, and communication during implementation will support equal access for all age groups. It is planned to link with the BBC who will roll out the message as part of their news segments and also as sound bites as a result the reach will support young and older people. The social media messaging will support younger to middle age people and some older people who are more technologically capable.
The Council will use plain language, clear visuals and subtitles in videos and media information. As this is a Council-wide initiative events will add the campaign title and hashtag in their Halloween and Christmas communications. This will in turn encourage attendees to think before they park and encourage them to leave footpaths free for pedestrians.
Older people and children are disproportionately affected by blocked footpaths.
The campaign is likely to produce some accessibility benefits for these groups.
Marital Status
According to Census 2021, Causeway Coast and Glens reflects Northern Ireland trends, with the highest proportion of residents married (47.8%), slightly above the NI average of 45.6%. All other marital status categories are broadly in line with regional figures, except for civil partnerships (0.14%), which are slightly lower than the NI average of 0.18%. Same-sex marriage has been legal in Northern Ireland since 13 January 2020.
As of 6 June 2024, Council staff (n=682) are 57% married, 25% single, and the remainder divided across divorced, separated, widowed, civil partnership, or other, with 8% unknown.
No differential impact has been identified regarding this category.
Sexual Orientation
The 2021 Census included a question on sexual orientation for the first time. In Causeway Coast and Glens, 91.3% of residents aged 16+ identified as straight or heterosexual, 1.4% as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or another orientation, and 7.3% preferred not to say or did not state. Patterns were broadly similar to Northern Ireland overall, with younger age groups more likely to identify as LGBT+, reflecting generational differences.
The Council currently has no workforce data on this Section 75 category. No equality issues have been identified, and inclusive communication within the campaign will support all Section 75 groups to have equal access to the information.
No differential impact has been identified regarding this category.
Men and Women Generally
According to Census 2021, the population of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough is evenly split by gender, with 49.3% male and 50.7% female, similar to Northern Ireland overall. As of 6 June 2024, Council staff (n=682) are 59.5% male and 40.5% female.
No equality issues have been identified, and inclusive communication within the campaign will support all Section 75 groups to have equal access to the information.
Women are statistically more likely to be primary carers of young children and pushchairs, so clearer footpaths may benefit them.
No differential impact has been identified as men and women will both benefit equally as pedestrians.
Dependants
In Causeway Coast and Glens, 28% of households include dependent children, slightly below the NI average of 29.2%, and 9.6% are lone-parent households, compared with 10.6% regionally. The borough has fewer single-person households under 66 but a higher proportion of older households, reflecting an ageing population. Around 12.3% of residents provide unpaid care, broadly in line with Northern Ireland overall, with those aged 40–64 most likely to be carers.
As of 6 June 2024, Council staff (n=682) include 31.5% with children, 1.5% adults only, 28.9% with no dependents, and 38.1% unknown.
Parents/carers with pushchairs or dependants with mobility needs will benefit from more accessible pathways.
Disability
According to Census 2021, 36% of residents in Causeway Coast and Glens have a long-term health condition or illness that limits daily activities, slightly above the NI average of 34.7%. Common conditions include long-term pain, mobility or dexterity limitations, breathing difficulties, and mental health issues.
As of 6 June 2024, Council staff (n=682) include 12 employees (1.8%) with a disability and 670 (98.2%) without.
This is the most significantly affected group.
People with:
- mobility impairments;
- wheelchair users;
- people with visual impairments;
- people using mobility scooters, all face major access issues from footpath obstruction.
The campaign specifically seeks to reduce these barriers.
Screening Question 1
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.
Reason: No significant direct change, however there may be an indirect positive impact through the reduction of barriers for pedestrians.
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.
Neutral impact.
Reason: Indirect positive impact through the reduction of barriers for pedestrians and the provision of clear information about the campaign.
Disability
Long term health impairment could include mental health problems, asthma, heart conditions, chronic fatigue etc.
Positive impact.
Reason: Positive impact through the reduction of barriers for pedestrians.
Sexual orientation
Heterosexual, lesbian, gay men, bisexual, others.
Neutral impact.
Reason: No significant direct change, however, there may be an indirect positive impact through the reduction of barriers for pedestrians.
Age
Older People Positive impact.
Younger people and children Positive impact.
Reason: Positive impact through the reduction of barriers for pedestrians.
Political Opinion
Neutral impact.
Reason: No significant direct change, however, there may be an indirect positive impact through the reduction of barriers for pedestrians.
Religious Belief
Neutral impact.
Reason: No significant direct change, however, there may be an indirect positive impact through the reduction of barriers for pedestrians.
Martial Status
Neutral impact.
Reason: No significant direct change, however, there may be an indirect positive impact through the reduction of barriers for pedestrians.
Dependants
Positive impact.
Reason: Positive impact through the reduction of barriers for pedestrians.
Screening Question 2
2. Are there opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity for people within any of the Section 75 categories?
Section 75 Category If Yes, provide details If No, provide details
Gender
Yes. Women are statistically more likely to be primary carers and therefore more reliant on accessible footpaths. Ensuring campaign materials reflect gender diversity in caregiving roles will promote equality of opportunity. The campaign will feature both men and women talking about the barriers they face and will show a man with a pram to highlight the barriers.
Equality of Opportunity Promoted: Reduces gendered barriers to safe movement in public spaces.
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.
People whose first language is not English may miss messaging. Simple English will be used in videos and social media messaging.
Translated leaflets/posters can be provided.
Equality of Opportunity Promoted: Equal access to safety and community information regardless of language background.
Disability
Long term health impairment could include mental health problems, asthma, heart conditions, chronic fatigue etc.
This is the group most affected by footpath obstruction.
Co-design campaign materials with Equality forum members with lived experiences. Liaise and link with disability organisations (e.g., IMTAC, RNIB, Guide Dogs NI, Disability Action).
Use video case studies showing lived experience of wheelchair users, cane users, and people with limited mobility.
Provide accessible versions:
- Captioned and audio-described videos;
- Easy-Read posters;
- High-contrast images;
- Large-print materials.
Promote the message that accessible public spaces enable full participation in society.
Equality of Opportunity Promoted: Improved physical access, autonomy, and visibility of disabled people’s rights.
Sexual orientation
Heterosexual, lesbian, gay men, bisexual, others.
No opportunities specific to this category, however there may be a knock-on impact for pedestrians as a whole.
Age
Older People, Younger people and children.
Older adults are more vulnerable to falls and may have reduced mobility.
Include messaging targeted at older road users and rural older residents.
Use communication channels popular with older people (BBC News).
Feature videos of older pedestrians navigating blocked footpaths.
Equality of Opportunity Promoted: Reduced environmental barriers that disproportionately limit mobility and independence for older people.
Children and Young People: Footpath obstructions affect school routes and safety.
Contact schools to share the message and encourage “safe walking routes”.
Highlight pram and pushchair accessibility for caregivers of young children.
Equality of Opportunity Promoted: Safer routes to school, enhanced independence for younger people walking or cycling.
Political Opinion
No opportunities specific to this category, however there may be a knock-on impact for pedestrians as a whole.
Religious Belief
No opportunities specific to this category, however there may be a knock-on impact for pedestrians as a whole.
Marital Status
No opportunities specific to this category, however there may be a knock-on impact for pedestrians as a whole.
Dependants
Parents and carers with prams, buggies, or dependants with mobility needs struggle when forced onto roads.
Include carers’ voices in campaign imagery and messaging. Use examples showing how blocked footpaths increase risk for caregivers.
Equality of Opportunity Promoted: Equal ability for carers to travel safely and independently within their communities.
Screening Question 3
3. To what extent is the policy likely to impact on good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group?
Religious Belief
The campaign is focused solely on pedestrian safety and accessibility.
It does not relate to cultural, religious, or community identity issues and is unlikely to affect relationships between people of different religious backgrounds.
Messaging applies equally to all pedestrians and drivers regardless of religious belief.
Level of Impact: None.
Political Opinion
The content is non-political and does not reference or connect to political ideology, constitutional identity, or contested issues.
Improving footpath accessibility is not associated with any political group and is widely seen as a universal public-safety matter.
Level of Impact: None.
Racial Group
While the campaign is not specifically targeted at any ethnic or migrant community, clear communication, inclusive imagery, simple English, and potential translated materials can support understanding of the message.
This can support a sense of inclusion and shared use of public spaces.
The impact is modest but slightly positive because:
- improved accessibility benefits everyone.
- inclusive campaign design helps reinforce that public pavements belong equally to all residents.
Level of Impact: Minor Positive.
Screening Question 4
4. Are there opportunities to better promote good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group?
Section 75 Category If Yes, provide details If No, provide details
Religious Belief
Yes.
- Use campaign materials that reflect the diversity of local communities (e.g., imagery from a mix of areas/neighbourhoods, not associated with one tradition or another).
- Full party agreement was reached in the chamber.
- Elected members from all communities post educational supportive messages and encourage all communities not to park on pavements.
- Share awareness content through Council social media used by people of different backgrounds.
- Frame the campaign as a shared issue that impacts everyone equally, reinforcing common community interests.
Good Relations Benefit: Promotes a sense of shared ownership of public spaces and demonstrates that council messaging is relevant to all sections of the community.
Political Opinion
Yes.
- Engage councillors and community representatives from across the political spectrum to endorse the campaign jointly.
- Ensure the campaign avoids any visual cues (colours, flags, symbols) that could be perceived as aligned with one community or political identity.
- Promote the message as a universal public-safety issue that benefits all residents, not tied to any political position.
Good Relations Benefit: Shows the council taking a neutral, inclusive, cross-community approach, helping to reinforce trust and shared goals among politically diverse communities.
Racial Group
Yes.
- Use inclusive imagery representing people from different ethnic backgrounds using footpaths families, older people, pedestrians, parents with prams, disabled people, etc.
- Provide simple-English versions of campaign messaging and consider translation where relevant.
- Engage newcomer support organisations, ethnic minority groups, and migrant centres to distribute materials.
- Develop content that communicates the shared experience of needing safe footpaths, regardless of cultural background.
Good Relations Benefit: Helps normalise diversity in public spaces, encourages integration, and supports positive interaction across racial and cultural groups.
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.)
1. Disabled people who are also from minority ethnic communities.
Potential impacts:
Language barriers may make campaign messages less accessible, especially if warnings or signage are not translated.
Disabled minority ethnic people may already experience higher levels of social exclusion; blocked footpaths (e.g., by parked cars, bins, or street clutter) can intensify barriers to independent mobility.
Considerations:
- Support translation of campaign materials in multiple languages.
- Engage with community groups serving minority ethnic disabled people.
2. Disabled women
Potential impacts:
Disabled women may feel less safe stepping onto the road to get around blocked footpaths due to both disability-related risks and heightened concerns about personal safety.
They may be more likely to be carers or parents; blocked footpaths affect those pushing prams, adding another barrier.
Considerations:
- Emphasise the safety dimension in messaging.
- Ensure representation of disabled women in campaign materials.
3. Young men generally
Potential impacts:
Young men may be more likely to be drivers, responsible for delivery driving or gig-economy roles, where pressure to park quickly can lead to blocking pavements.
They may dismiss the issue if the campaign messaging does not resonate with them.
Considerations:
- Targeted messaging emphasising responsible citizenship, safety for children and older relatives, and community pride may be more effective.
4. Young lesbians, gay and bisexual people
Potential impacts:
Young people generally may rely heavily on walking, public transport and shared spaces.
LGBTQ+ young people experiencing harassment or discrimination with mental health conditions that compound risks may feel less safe being forced off the pavement and onto the road.
Considerations:
- Ensure the campaign addresses safety and inclusion, not just accessibility.
- Communicate through LGBTQ+ youth organisations and social media channels popular with younger audiences.
People with multiple identities generally
The campaign could:
- Improve independence, inclusion, and safety for groups most affected by inaccessible footpaths.
- Increase visibility of how public space design disproportionately affects people with complex identities.
- Risk alienating groups if the tone appears to blame certain behaviours without recognising social pressures (e.g., delivery drivers).
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.
People can belong to more than one Section 75 category, and the impact of the rollout of this campaign may be particularly relevant where identities intersect. Available data suggests:
Racial Group and Disability
Census 2021 shows 2% of residents report a main language other than English, and 35.95% report a disability/long-term condition. For disabled people from minority ethnic backgrounds, communication barriers can be compounded by both language and accessibility challenges. This campaign will support them by using clear, simple and accessible messaging, including visual content and plain English to reduce reliance on complex text.
Age and Racial Group
Older migrants with limited English may be less digitally confident. Where possible, key messages can be shared through community networks and translated materials, ensuring they reach everyone.
Gender, Dependants and Racial Group
Women are more likely to have caring responsibilities (Labour Force Survey NI). Mothers in minority ethnic households with limited English may rely heavily on children to interpret. The pavement parking campaign will support them by using clear, visual and easy-to-understand messaging that reduces reliance on written English, helping ensure key information is accessible without the need for interpretation. Messaging can also be shared through trusted community networks, making it easier for mothers and carers to access information directly. In addition, by promoting safer, obstruction-free footpaths, the campaign will improve everyday mobility for parents with prams and children, reducing stress and supporting safer journeys for families.
Disability and Dependants
Carers supporting disabled dependants may face additional barriers, by promoting safer, obstruction-free footpaths, the campaign will improve everyday mobility for parents with prams and children, reducing stress and supporting safer journeys for families.
Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Racial Group
While data on LGBTQ+ minority ethnic groups in NI is limited, research (Equality Commission NI, 2022) shows that intersectional identities can increase isolation. The pavement parking campaign will support people by including voices from LGBTQ+ groups, using clear, visual and easy-to-understand messaging that reduces reliance on written English, helping ensure key information is accessible without the need for interpretation.
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.
If yes, please give further information and examples:
1. Ensure the message relates to “shared responsibility” not “blame”.
Focus on benefits from accessible pavements not blaming those who block it.
Reinforcing the fact that disabled people are valued members of our community.
2. Use authentic representation of disabled people.
Include a range of disabled people in campaign visuals and messaging - wheelchair users, blind and partially sighted people, neurodivergent people, those with hidden disabilities, etc. This will show disabled people as active, independent citizens.
3. Feature stories or testimonies from disabled people.
Short quotes or real-life experiences should focus on empowerment asking for consideration while highlighting resilience and everyday life of disabled people.
4. Use strengths-based language.
Emphasise rights, independence and equality to counter negative stereotypes and promotes social value.
5. Partner with disability organisations.
Work with groups such as RNIB, Disability Action, Mencap NI, Carers NI, and local representative groups to share messaging.
6. Highlight wider community benefits.
Campaign should show how accessible pavements help everyone, not only disabled people reducing the perception that adjustments are “special treatment.”
7. Promote disability equality as part of civic pride.
Use messaging that frames accessible streets as a sign of a modern and inclusive community, compounded by Elected Members from all parties speaking out.
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.
Please give further information and examples:
1. Involve disabled people directly in co-designing, leading the campaign and being Champions. Invite members of the Equality Forum to feature in and shape campaign messaging, images, and priorities. Shows disabled people in high-visibility public roles that reflect leadership, expertise and civic authority.
2. Increase visibility of disabled people in campaign materials.
Show a wide range of disabled people in videos and online materials - including disabled people who are active, involved, and visible in community life (ie as the Chair of our Equality Forum). This should challenge stigma and encourages others to be publicly engaged.
3. Highlight that accessible footpaths support equal participation.
Make the link explicit: clear footpaths enable everyone to access schools, workplaces, shops, civic buildings and cultural life.
4. Use the campaign to raise awareness of barriers to public participation. Include messaging or short stories explaining how something as simple as a blocked footpath can prevent someone from:
- getting to work.
- attending an equality forum meeting.
- participating in local events.
This educates the public about the real, everyday civic barriers disabled people face.
5. Ensure campaign materials are fully accessible.
This includes:
- audio description / transcripts on videos.
- sign language interpretation.
- easy-read materials.
By ensuring the above, the campaign becomes not just about pavements but about inclusion, visibility, leadership and equality.
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 “Footpaths Are for People” campaign has the "potential" to impact several Section 75 groups, particularly disabled people, older people, parents/carers, and those with multiple identities (e.g. disabled minority-ethnic people, disabled women, LGBTQ+ disabled people) in a positive way and does not require a full EQIA at this stage. The screening identified several potential issues: the campaign could unintentionally reinforce negative stereotypes if disabled people are portrayed as the sole reason for restrictions; some disabilities or intersectional identities may be under-represented; campaign materials may not be accessible to all disabled people; messaging could be perceived as blaming certain groups such as young men or delivery drivers; language barriers may reduce engagement with minority ethnic communities; and without adjustments, the campaign may miss opportunities to promote positive attitudes and support the participation of disabled people in public life. Mitigation to overcome this included.
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:
To address the potential issues identified above, the campaign should use inclusive, strengths-based messaging co-designed with Equality Forum members, showcase diverse disabilities and identities, and present disabled people as active participants. Materials should be fully accessible and culturally inclusive supporting translation. Messaging should focus on shared community benefits rather than blaming groups, highlight how footpath access enables participation, and be regularly monitored for feedback and adjustment.
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:
Feedback from Equality Forum Members.
Complaints or concerns raised by any member of the community.
Whether messaging is being misinterpreted or causing unintended negative reactions.
Adjust campaign elements as needed.
Approval And Authorisation
Screened By Position/Job Title: Policy Officer.
Date: 20 November 2025.
Approved By Position/Job Title: Head of Policy and Community Planning.
Date: 24 November 2025.