SCREENING
Wyre Forest District Council Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy
Last updated 13 June 2023
Contents
The assessment
Impact
Conclusion
A signed version of this EqIA is available to download; please note it may not be accessible for users of assistive technology. If you require further help please contact us.
The assessment
New or existing service or policy?
New
Directorate
Strategic Growth
Officer(s) completing the assessment
Kate Bailey, Head of Strategic Growth
What is the purpose? What are the outcomes?
This document sets the strategic direction for tackling homelessness across Worcestershire and is a legal requirement to produce under the homelessness legislation. It recognises that to tackle homelessness in all its forms and in today’s tough external environment, we need to work closely with our partners.
The strategy sets out a number of actions detailing how we will deliver on the priorities and ensuring homelessness is rare, brief and non-recurring. Project plans and/or proposals will be developed by local homelessness forums in each of the districts to deliver on the actions. Some actions will be carried out on a countywide basis.
Are there any statutory requirements?
Yes – Homelessness Act 2002
Are there any other organisations/bodies involved?
Yes – various stakeholders also provide services to homeless and potentially homeless households.
Who are the main customer groups/stakeholders?
Local residents and communities, county council, registered providers, health service providers, probation, prisons etc.
What information, statistics or evidence are you using?
Good practise and the legislation / code of guidance.
What impact does the service/policy/project have on the following equality strands?
Protected characteristics: definitions
Prior to 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 |
|---|---|
|
Black and minority ethnic Impact on different ethnic groups, including migrant communities and Gypsies/Roma/Travellers |
Neutral, not a factor in service consideration or delivery |
|
Disability Impact on people with disabilities, including physical, sensory, and learning disabilities, mental health issues and long-term limiting illnesses. |
Neutral, not a factor in service consideration or delivery |
|
Gender Impact on people of different genders, including transgender. |
Neutral, not a factor in service consideration or delivery |
|
Age Impact on people of all ages, including younger and older people. |
Neutral, not a factor in service consideration or delivery |
|
Sexual orientation |
Neutral, not a factor in service consideration or delivery |
|
Religion or belief Impact on people who practise different religions or have different beliefs (including non-belief). |
Neutral, not a factor in service consideration or delivery |
|
Other e.g. Deprivation, health inequalities, urban/rural divide, community safety |
Positive effect on helping open up the range of housing options available and reducing the impacts on homeless households. |
Conclusion
Service delivery led by statutory requirements and criteria around service delivery are not affected by any inequalities.
Is a full assessment required?
No
Note: A full EqIA is required if the initial screening has identified the service/policy/project is going to have the potential to cause adverse impact or discriminate against different groups in the community or the Council’s workforce.
Signed: Kate Bailey, Head of Strategic Growth
Date: 16 January 2023