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	Legal and Democratic
Service area	Electoral Services
Proposal being screened	Interim Polling Districts and Polling Places Review
Officer(s) carrying out screening	Sandra Hullah, Principal Electoral Services Officer
What are you proposing to do?	The proposals cover specific and discrete areas of North Yorkshire consequential of completed CGR’s in Scarborough and Harrogate, and some additional polling districts where changes to polling places are needed.
Why are you proposing this? What are the desired outcomes?	The statutory requirement review was conducted in October 2023 and the next one is due from October 2028.  This interim review is necessary to ensure polling districts are fit for purpose in the following areas: · consequential of completed Community Governance Reviews on unparished areas of Harrogate and Scarborough – including boundary anomalies relating to the parishes of Eastfield, Newby and Scalby and Osgodby, and · where the existing location is no longer available or is not suitable for voters with a disability or will improve access and convenience for voters.
Does the proposal involve a significant commitment or removal of resources? Please give details.	No, the proposals are broadly cost neutral.
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.		The proposals cover specific and discrete areas of North Yorkshire consequential of completed CGR’s in Scarborough and Harrogate, and some additional polling districts where changes to polling places are needed.
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.		No, the proposals relate only to where people will vote.
Decision (Please tick one option)		EIA not relevant or proportionate:	ü		Continue to full EIA:		X
Reason for decision		No equality implications
Signed (Assistant Director or equivalent)		Jennifer Norton
Date		07/11/2024