SCREENING
Homeless and Rough Sleeper Strategy
Last updated 19 Janaury 2026
The assessment
New or existing service or policy?
New
Directorate/service area
Strategic growth
Officer(s) responsible for:
- Service/policy/project: Kate Bailey, Head of Strategic Growth
- Completing equality impact assessment: Kate Bailey, Head of Strategic Growth
Date
19 January 2026
What is the purpose? What are the outcomes?
To assess needs and develop a strategy and action plan in line with the Homelessness Act 2002
Are there any statutory requirements? Who are the main customer groups / stakeholders?
Homelessness Act 2002, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, Homeless Households
Who is intended to benefit from this service/policy? How will they benefit?
Homeless households - through making homelessness brief, rare and non-recurring and tackling prevention and recovery.
What information are you using? What does the evidence show you?
Homelessness review 2025/26.
What impact does the service/policy/project have on the following equality strands?
Protected characteristics: definitions
Before the Equality Act 2010, there were 3 separate public sector equality duties covering race, disability, and gender. The Equality Act 2010 replaced these with a new single equality duty covering the following protected characteristics.
| Characteristic and definition | Impact and evidence |
|---|---|
|
1. Age |
Impact: positive Evidence: The strategy will assist young people and others made vulnerable due to their age. |
|
2. Disability |
Impact: positive Evidence: The strategy will assist households vulnerable due to a disability. |
|
3. Gender Reassignment |
Neutral |
|
4. Marriage and Civil Partnership |
Neutral |
|
5. Pregnancy and Maternity |
Impact: positive Evidence: The strategy will assist homeless households where a member of the household is pregnant. |
|
6. Race |
Neutral |
|
7. Religion of belief |
Neutral |
|
8. Sex |
Neutral |
|
9. Sexual Orientation |
Neutral |
|
Other e.g., deprivation, health inequalities, urban/rural divide, community safety |
Neutral: Positive. Evidence:The strategy will support those made homeless and unable to resolve their own housing difficulties in line with the homelessness legislation. |
Review
Can any differential impact be justified? (for example, promoting equality of opportunity)
This is in line with the relevant legislation.
Does any adverse impact amount to unlawful discrimination?
Not applicable
What alternative actions could be taken to mitigate any adverse impact? (Add these to the action plan)
Not applicable
Consultation
Detail any specific consultation on this service/policy (if there is insufficient data, further consultation will need to be undertaken and included in the action plan)
This strategy will be consulted upon with members of the public, stakeholders, and members.
Conclusion
Can the service/policy proceed?
Yes
How will the service/policy be monitored and reviewed? (please give a timescale)
Will be monitored annually.
Is a full assessment required?
No
Signed: Kate Bailey, Head of Strategic Growth
Date: 19 January 2026