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	Environment
Service area	Regulatory Services
Proposal being screened	Penalty Notice Charges and Policy
Officer(s) carrying out screening	Tracy McLuckie
What are you proposing to do?	· Seek approval to harmonise all existing Penalty Notice charges within the remit of Regulatory Services. · Adopt the use of Penalty Charges for specified animal welfare and smoke control offences. · Adopt a Penalty Notice Policy.
Why are you proposing this? What are the desired outcomes?	Prior to the formation of North Yorkshire Council, Penalty Notice charges were set by legacy district and borough councils and have remained at different levels across the County. These charges now require harmonisation across the County, to ensure a fair and consistent approach. Although not a statutory requirement, it is proposed to adopt a Penalty Notice Policy in order ensure consistency of approach in relation to the use of Penalty Notices and transparency in decision making. This will provide members of the public and businesses with an indication as to how the Council will approach decisions to issue Penalty Notices as an alternative to prosecution.
Does the proposal involve a significant commitment or removal of resources? Please give details.	No
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				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
People in rural areas				No
People on a low income				No
Carer (unpaid family or friend)				No
Are from the Armed Forces Community				No
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.		No
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
Decision (Please tick one option)		EIA not relevant or proportionate:	ü		Continue to full EIA:		X
Reason for decision		No detrimental impact on equalities.
Signed (Assistant Director or equivalent)		Callum McKeon AD Regulation & Harbours
Date		1st July 2025