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	Community Development
Service area	Housing Renewal
Proposal being screened	Housing Assistance and Disabled Facilities Grant policy
Officer(s) carrying out screening	Lynn Williams
What are you proposing to do?	Introduce a single Housing Assistance and Disabled Facilities Grant policy for NY with a range of discretionary support to enhance the statutory offer from the Council.
Why are you proposing this? What are the desired outcomes?	This approach creates a more consistent model for people accessing services by having a single policy.  The additional discretionary elements of this service will support resident’s to remain healthy and independent supporting the reduction in the need for more costly stator services.
Does the proposal involve a significant commitment or removal of resources? Please give details.	There is no change in the level of resource required, it is the model of delivery and simplifications of legacy policies into 1 countywide policy which is changing. However, it has been agreed that (where funding allows) the ‘top up’s previously provided via HAS/CYPS will be funded from the DFG budget.  There is no annual budget from CYPS but a 80k budget is in place with HAS.
Impact on people with any of the following protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010, or NYC’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 directorate representative for advice if you are in any doubt.
Protected characteristic		Potential for adverse impact				Don’t know/No info available
		Yes		No
Age				X
Disability				X
Sex				X
Race				X
Sexual orientation				X
Gender reassignment				X
Religion or belief				X
Pregnancy or maternity				X
Marriage or civil partnership				X
People in rural areas				X
People on a low income				X
Carer (unpaid family or friend)				X
Are from the Armed Forces Community				X
Does the proposal relate to an area where there are known inequalities/probable impacts (for example, disabled people’s access to public transport)? Please give details.
Will the proposal have a significant effect on how other organisations operate? (for example, partners, funding criteria, etc.). Do any of these organisations support people with protected characteristics? Please explain why you have reached this conclusion.		The council is legally required to adopt a Housing Assistance Policy. The support offered within the policy is solely funded from DFG budgets and whilst other partners gain benefit from the service in terms of people remaining independent there will be no direct impacts.
Decision (Please tick one option)		EIA not relevant or proportionate:	ü		Continue to full EIA:
Reason for decision		The policy will enable a consistent approach across the county from a customer point of view with the changes simplifying the process and policy for residents and referral partners. A single service will create consistency across the county and ensure that people receive the same service wherever they live in North Yorkshire. The policy is a mandatory requirement and the additional discretionary support only enhances the offer to our residents.
Signed (Assistant Director or equivalent)		Andrew Rowe
Date		2 September 2024