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PARTIAL EQUALITIES IMPACT ASSESSMENT
1. As part of its commitment to equal opportunities, the Scottish Government undertakes an Equalities Impact Assessment ( EqIA) of all new and proposed policies. The EqIA considers the potential impact of the policy proposals on particular sections of the community, with a view to identifying and addressing any potential discrimination issues.
2. In order to fully inform the process, we have produced this partial EqIA which sets out in table form the potential issues identified. A full EqIA will be published at the same time as the final SPP3. The partial EqIA reflects our understanding of the expected impact on equalities groups of SPP3 before undertaking consultation. In order to provide the opportunity to express their opinions on SPP3, a range of equalities groups have been included in the initial distribution list for the consultation. Comments received on issues specifically affecting equalities groups will be taken into consideration when preparing the final SPP3.
3. Comments are invited on any part of the EqIA, and on any issue which affects equalities groups specifically.
Title of policy | Review of Scottish Planning Policy 3 - Planning for Housing |
Name of Branch or Division | Planning Infrastructure and Enforcement Branch |
Department or Agency | Planning Directorate |
What is the purpose of the proposed policy (or changes to be made to the policy)? | The existing SPP3 is being revised in response to concerns that it has not been as effective as intended, particularly in regard to bringing forward numbers of houses of the right type and in the right places. SPP3 provides guidance on the provision of a sufficient supply of land and the creation of quality residential environments. |
Who is affected by the policy or who is intended to benefit from the proposed policy and how? | The purpose of SPP3 is to provide guidance on the allocation of land for housing and facilitate the quick delivery of that housing. As such, the majority of people in Scotland will be affected by this policy either directly or indirectly. In practice, SPP3 should help to increase the number houses available. This is likely to have an effect on house prices, potentially increasing supply and making them more affordable. Among other guidance, SPP3 will specifically address the issue of affordable housing. This is likely to have a particular effect on equalities groups as they are often among the people who have most difficulty in affording suitable housing. |
How have you, or will you, put the policy into practice, and who is or will be responsible for delivering it? | The current SPP3 has relevance for planning authorities and developers in particular, as well as others who are involved in the development of housing. This will be true of the revised SPP3. |
How does the policy fit into our wider or related policy initiatives? | SPP3 will help bring housing policy into the wider aims of the planning system. It will help direct development to the most appropriate land. SPP3 is part of a suite of Scottish planning policies and related guidance. More widely, The Scottish Government has a number of commitments to address the shortage of housing in Scotland, the cost of housing and the quality of housing, particularly of affordable housing. SPP3 will be a key element in the Scottish Government's overall housing policy. SPP3 contributes to the Wealthier and Fairer and Safer and Stronger strategic objectives. |
Do you have a set budget? | No; it will fall to local authorities to deliver SPP3. |
What do you already know about the diverse needs and/or experiences of your target audience?
Age | We believe that older people may be affected by SPP3, in as much as they often have particular housing needs. SPP3 will also provide guidance on the creation of lifetime homes, which can be adapted to suit the changing needs of residents throughout their life. However, the extent to which older people struggle currently to find suitable affordable housing is not clear. We will include appropriate groups in the consultation. |
Disability | We believe that disabled people may be affected by SPP3, in as much as they often have particular housing needs. The extent to which they struggle currently to find suitable affordable housing is not clear; we will include appropriate groups and organisations in our consultation. |
Gender | We do not believe that SPP3 will have different applications for men and women. However, we will engage with appropriate organisations as part of the consultation. |
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender | We do not believe that SPP3 will have any particular effects on the LGBT community, but will engage with appropriate organisations and groups as part of the consultation. |
Race | We believe that SPP3 may have a particular effect on some race and ethnic communities. SPP3 will provide guidance to planning authorities that the housing needs of Gypsies/Travellers should be considered when drawing up development plans. Particular nationalities may be affected by SPP3, particularly those from EU8 countries. Such people often live in HMO accommodation. SPP3 may seek to provide guidance to local authorities to consider using the planning system to manage densities of HMOs in particular areas. Such guidance is likely to have an effect on those who tend to live in HMOs. We will involve appropriate groups and organisations in the consultation. |
Religion and Belief | We do not believe that SPP3 will apply differently to people of particular religions and beliefs. We will engage with appropriate organisations and groups as part of the consultation. |
What else do you need to know about to help you understand the diverse needs and/or experiences of your target audience?
AgeYes | Do you have enough information to proceed? | Yes | No |
However, it would be useful to know of particular difficulties that older people experience in securing suitable housing. |
Disability | Do you have enough information to proceed? | Yes | No
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However, it would be useful to know of particular difficulties that disabled people experience in securing suitable housing. |
Gender | Do you have enough information to proceed? | Yes | No
|
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender | Do you have enough information to proceed? | Yes | No
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Race | Do you have enough information to proceed? | Yes | No
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However, it would be useful to know if people from particular racial or ethnic communities experience difficulty in securing suitable housing. |
Religion and Belief | Do you have enough information to proceed? | Yes | No
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Q11: How might SPP3 impact positively or negatively on equalities groups?
Q12: Will any groups not identified already in the partial EqIA be affected by SPP3?
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