SCREENING
Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Action Plan
Last updated 6 October 2025
The assessment
New or existing service or policy?
Existing
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
6 October 2025
What is the purpose? What are the outcomes?
To extend the strategy and action plan pending publication of the Government's new strategy
Are there any statutory requirements? Who are the main customer groups / stakeholders?
It is a requirement of the Homelessness Act 2002 to have a strategy. Homeless people.
Who is intended to benefit from this service/policy? How will they benefit?
Homeless people - through the provision of services
What information are you using? What does the evidence show you?
Homeless review data.
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 |
Neutral: Positive. Evidence: This action plan supports those aged 16 - 18 and over 65 |
|
2. Disability |
Neutral: Positive. Evidence: This action plan and the service more widely support people with physical and mental disabilities. |
|
3. Gender Reassignment |
Neutral: Neutral. Evidence: Not aware of any impact on people with this characteristic. |
|
4. Marriage and Civil Partnership |
Neutral: Neutral Evidence: Not aware of any impact on people with this characteristic. |
|
5. Pregnancy and Maternity |
Neutral: Positive Evidence: Pregnancy is a recognised priority need category. |
|
6. Race |
Neutral: Neutral Evidence: Not aware of any impact on people with this characteristic. |
|
7. Religion of belief |
Neutral: Neutral Evidence: Not aware of any impact on people with this characteristic. |
|
8. Sex |
Neutral: Neutral. Evidence: Not aware of any impact on people with this characteristic. |
|
9. Sexual Orientation |
Neutral: Neutral. Evidence: Not aware of any impact on people with this characteristic. |
|
Other e.g. deprivation, health inequalities, urban/rural divide, community safety |
Neutral: Positive. Evidence: This action plan is specifically for people experiencing homelessness |
Review
Can any differential impact be justified? (for example, promoting equality of opportunity)
Not applicable
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)
Consultation has been undertaken on the wider strategy and with Rough Sleepers
Conclusion
Can the service/policy proceed?
Yes
How will the service/policy be monitored and reviewed? (please give a timescale)
The action plan will be reviewed and updated over its lifetime.
Is a full assessment required?
No
Signed: Kate Bailey, Head of Strategic Growth
Date: 6 October 2025