Equality assessments
Unlawful discrimination is addressed by ensuring that all decisions and actions taken by the council are assessed for their equality impact, through equalities assessments. These assess the likely or actual effects of policies or services on people based on the following protected characteristics:
- Race
- Sex
- Disability
- Religion or belief
- Sexual orientation
- Gender reassignment
- Maternity and pregnancy
- Marriage/civil partnership
- Age
Equality assessments also look at whether the decision will lead to opportunities to promote equality, as well as for negative or adverse impacts that can be removed or reduced.
Equality assessments for Cabinet decisions are published alongside the relevant Cabinet report on the council's website. Equality assessments for decisions not made by Cabinet are held by the relevant service area and are available on request.