ANNEX 3 PARTIAL EQUALITIES IMPACT ASSESSMENT
The public sector equality duty requires the Scottish Government pay 'due regard' to the need to:
- Eliminate discrimination, victimisation, harassment or other unlawful conduct that is prohibited under the Equality Act 2010;
- Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not;
- Foster good relations between people who share a relevant protected characteristic.
These three requirements apply across the 'protected characteristics' of age; disability; gender reassignment; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion and belief; sex and sexual orientation.
Equality considerations are therefore integrated into all the functions and policies of Scottish Government Directorates and Agencies.
Equalities Impact Assessment (EQIA) enables us to consider how our policies may impact, either positively or negatively, on different sectors of the population in different ways.
What is the purpose of the proposed policy (or changes to be made to the policy)?
The consultation paper sets out the Scottish Governments' proposals on a number of refinements and amendments to the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO)
Who is affected by the policy or who is intended to benefit from the proposed policy and how?
There will primarily be a reduction of some procedural and financial burdens on planning authorities and developers.
How have you or will you put the policy into practice, and who is or will be delivering it?
The initial consideration of these procedural requirements rests with Scotland's planning authorities. There will be amendments as appropriate to the guidance issued by the Scottish Government.
How does the policy fit into our wider or related policy initiatives?
These changes will help improve clarity of the existing provisions and contribute to achieving a planning system which is efficient and fit for purpose.
What we already know about the diverse needs and/or experiences of the target audience
We are not aware of any evidence that any of the six equality strands (race, gender, age, disability, LGBT or faith) will be affected by the proposals. The proposals will affect all businesses, organisations and individuals seeking approval of a relevant planning application proportionately.
Do we need more information to help us understand the diverse needs and/or experience of our target audience?
We recognise that there is scope to increase our knowledge as to whether and if so how the proposals in the consultation paper may affect particular sections of society. To assist in this, we have included a specific question in the consultation paper seeking views on whether there are particular impacts on societal groups that we should be aware of.