There is a key misunderstanding around the role of EIAs. There is no "requirement" to produce EIAs but there is a requirement for bodies covered by the general duty to have "due regard" to the need to:
* eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct
* advance equality of opportunity between people from different groups;
* foster good relations between people from different groups.
Many Public bodies have chosen to use the EIA process as a way of demonstrating "due regard" as this is a structured way of demonstrating this. However, this is done in a climate of mixed messages from DCLG and other departments who on the one hand are discouraging the use of EIAs without coming up with an efficient alternative that ensures that the general duty is adequately considered in all the core business of public bodies.
EIAs, when used properly and owned by the organisation are a very useful and efficient tool in the policy/decision making process. Over the last few years EIAs tend to be used most often in the process of managing budget reductions. There are a couple of "problems" with this: Once you know what you know it makes it even more difficult to make decisions that you know will disproportionately effect protected characteristics (a case of eyes wide open) and the second is that lack of consistency both inside and between organisations with each organisation ploughing its own furrow in a field full of uncertainty and insecurity.
Wow! that was was cheerful for a Friday wasn't it! I guess the message is, as Anthony alludes, if you are in a position to do so, encourage your organisation to use EIAs as (when used well) they are a very useful tool to a) mitigate against difficult decisions and b) give meaningful insight so decisions have a much more sustainable/inclusive outcome.
I wish you all a very sunny weekend!
Darryl Smith
-----Original Message-----
From: Accessibuilt list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Anthony Rylands
Sent: 05 July 2013 15:10
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Diversity and Equality in Planning
Hi,
So long as EIA's continue to be required then at least new procedures or policies etc will have some form of assessment but it will not be the same.
Perhaps it's something professional bodies (Access Association and RTPI) or voluntary organisations can raise?
It is fundamental, but is not generating much interest.
Anthony
-----Original Message-----
From: Accessibuilt list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jacquel Runnalls
Sent: Friday, July 05, 2013 10:58 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Diversity and Equality in PLanning
Dear Anthony,
I'm glad you raised this as someone alerted me to this yesterday. It is on the www.parliament.uk website (see below). I have to say I'm a bit concerned about the way the it was worded/terminology used. Not sure if it's just me but surely it goes against what the government say on the Gov.Uk website page 'Creating a Fairer and More Equal Society' https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/creating-a-fairer-and-more-equal-society ??
1 July 2013 : Column 25WS
Revoking "Equality and diversity in planning"
Under the last Administration's flawed rules, a sense of unfairness was embedded in the planning system. Unauthorised developments created tensions between travellers and the settled population, while some community groups seemingly were given favoured treatment. That approach has harmed community cohesion. We want to redress the balance and put fairness back into local communities.
I appreciate that there is ongoing concern, as reflected by some hon. Members recently proposing a Private Members' Bill on this issue.
I can announce today that the Government are cancelling the last Administration's practice guidance "Diversity and Equality in Planning" which was issued by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in 2005.
This guidance is outdated, excessive in length (at 186 pages), and sends unhelpful signals about the planning process. For example, the document:
Fails to strike the correct balance between the spatial impact of a planning proposal and the background of the applicant in considering a planning application.
Encourages monitoring of local residents' private lives-such as through intrusive lifestyle/diversity surveys.
Promotes the excessive use of equality impact assessments, which are an expensive and bureaucratic burden on the public sector.
Tells councils to translate into foreign language, which undermines integration by discouraging people from learning English, weakens community cohesion and a common British identity, and wastes taxpayers' money.
As part of our wider consolidation of practice guidance, we do not intend to replace it.
The national planning policy framework makes it clear that councils should plan to provide wide choice of high-quality homes based on the needs of their local community. Councils should simply use their common sense in the light of prevailing legislation, planning policy and material considerations.
I hope this will send a positive message about treating all members of the community with respect and with due process, and that this Government are restoring a proper sense of fairness to the planning system.
Jacquel Runnalls,
Senior Occupational Therapist in Housing, London Borough of Waltham Forest, Cedar Wood House, 2d Fulbourne Rd LONDON E17 4GG
Tel: 020 8496 5544 Email: [log in to unmask]
-----Original Message-----
From: Accessibuilt list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Anthony Rylands
Sent: 05 July 2013 10:44
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Diversity and Equality in PLanning
Hi,
I see this morning that the government have revoked this document as a part of clamping down on unauthorised developments in the Green Belt and permissions for Travellers sites.
It seemed to have been slipped in under the radar a little or is it just me? This document contains some important principles which appear to be now lost.
Has anyone any other information about its replacement (I'm ever hopeful...) or the current intentions about what may happen next on the Planning and equalities front?
Anthony
Anthony Rylands
Access Officer for Disabled People
Corporate Services Directorate
North Somerset Council
Tel: 01934 63 4989
Fax: 01934 634 517
Web: www.n-somerset.gov.uk/community/equalities
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