Appendix B - Initial equality impact assessment screening form This form records an equality screening process to determine the relevance of equality to a proposal, and a decision whether or not a full EIA would be appropriate or proportionate.
Directorate	Central Services
Service area	Democratic/Election services
Proposal being screened	Decision on final recommendations on the Community Governance Reviews relating to the unparished town centres in Harrogate and Scarborough
Officer(s) carrying out screening	Barry Khan, Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services
What are you proposing to do?	To consider making final recommendations for new town councils for Harrogate and Scarborough, along with proposed minor amendments to parish boundaries in Scarborough.
Why are you proposing this? What are the desired outcomes?	The creation of town councils will enable Harrogate and Scarborough to have stronger and more effective local governance , ensuring parity with the remainder of the county of North Yorkshire
Does the proposal involve a significant commitment or removal of resources? Please give details.	It is anticipated the budget of the town council could be between £1m and £1.5m pa, which would be funded through a precept added to council tax bills.
Impact on people with any of the following protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010, or NYCC’s additional agreed characteristics As part of this assessment, please consider the following questions: · To what extent is this service used by particular groups of people with protected characteristics? · Does the proposal relate to functions that previous consultation has identified as important? · Do different groups have different needs or experiences in the area the proposal relates to? If for any characteristic it is considered that there is likely to be an adverse impact or you have ticked ‘Don’t know/no info available’, then a full EIA should be carried out where this is proportionate. You are advised to speak to your Equality rep for advice if you are in any doubt.
Protected characteristic		Potential for adverse impact				Don’t know/No info available
		Yes		No
Age				No
Disability				No
Sex				No
Race				No
Sexual orientation				No
Gender reassignment				No
Religion or belief				No
Pregnancy or maternity				No
Marriage or civil partnership				No
NYCC additional characteristics
People in rural areas				No
People on a low income				No
Carer (unpaid family or friend)				No
Does the proposal relate to an area where there are known inequalities/probable impacts (e.g. disabled people’s access to public transport)? Please give details.		It is known that there are areas of deprivation but the creation of town councils is not expected to have a negative impact on such areas.
Will the proposal have a significant effect on how other organisations operate? (e.g. partners, funding criteria, etc.). Do any of these organisations support people with protected characteristics? Please explain why you have reached this conclusion.		Three sets of consultations have taken place with a wide range of voluntary and community organisations, business groups, charities, disability organisations and community associations.  The views of those organisations which responded to the consultation have been considered. The potential creation of town councils will create a new level of local democracy for those unparished areas.
Decision (Please tick one option)		EIA not relevant or proportionate:	Yes (at this stage)		Continue to full EIA:
Reason for decision		It is not considered that the proposals to create town councils will have a disproportionate impact on areas where there are known inequalities or organisations supporting those with protected characteristics.
Signed (Assistant Director or equivalent)		Barry Khan
Date		5 July 2024