Halloween Events 2022

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S75 Equality And Good Relations Screening Form

 


General Information:   

Policy/ Procedure & Strategy

 



Is this an existing, revised or a new function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?   

New   



Operational Area:

Leisure and Development

 


Title:

Equality Screening – Halloween Events 2022 

 


Brief Summary:

This event has been screened previously for live mass gathering events and also a mixture of smaller live events and virtual format but this year we are reverting to similar to pre-covid events but still maintaining the distance between entertainment zones.

Halloween celebrations in the Causeway Coast & Glens take place in the four towns of Ballycastle, Ballymoney, Coleraine and Limavady. This year the Halloween Events are being held on 27th, 28th, 29th and 31st October. Traditionally these events are organised by the Council’s Events Team and usually comprise of a fireworks display, fancy dress competition, live music, DJs, amusements, Halloween themed acts as well as community participation where possible. These events attract large crowds with the largest being Coleraine attracting up to 10,000 people.

The purpose of this screening is to:
(A) To create inclusive events where everyone attending feels welcome and unrestricted
(B) To ensure that the rights of all S75 groups are respected and that they are afforded time, space, adjustability of arrangements and a positive attitude.
(C) Reduce barriers to participation for many S75 groups which are often the result of inaccurate, inaccessible information which is not delivered in advance of an event.
(D) Look at possible changes to events by improving accessibility for S75 groups. 

Proposed changes may include:
• Council employees need to be trained (incorrect assumptions e.g. deaf people won’t like music) and respectful of different types of need. 
• Print must be in plain language, large and clear. 
• Light should be good, diffuse, and steady. 
• Venue acoustics should be comfortable and escapable. 
• Signage must be clear and consistent. 

 


What is it trying to achieve? (intended aims and outcomes)

  • Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is committed to creating and maintaining a most inclusive environment for visitors attending an event.
  • Take all reasonable steps to ensure that facilities and services at events are accessible to all.


 

Who owns and who implements each element of the function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council via different directorates.




Other policies etc. which have a bearing on this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s full range of policies.
 

 

Available Evidence

Evidence to help inform the screening process may take many forms.  Public authorities should ensure that their screening decision is informed by relevant data.
What evidence/information (both qualitative and quantitative have you gathered to inform this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?  Specify details for relevant Section 75 categories.

This screening document has been developed using the best practice guide issued by Belfast City Council in 2017.

 


Section 75 Category Details of Evidence/Information

On Census Day 27th March 2011 the usually resident population of Causeway Coast and Glens Local Government District was 140,877accounting for 7.78% of the NI total.

  

Religious Beliefs

On census day 27th March 2011, in the Causeway Coast and Glens Local Government District the religious background composition was as follows:

The 2011 Census outlined:
Census 2011                                                                                        CC&G Borough Council                Northern Ireland
Roman Catholic                                                                                              40.21%                                      45.14%
Protestant & Other Christian (including Christian related)                              54.79%                                       48.36%
Other Religions                                                                                                0.65%                                         0.92%
None/Not stated                                                                                               4.35%                                         5.59%

There is no indication or evidence to suggest that the event will have a negative impact on this Section 75 Group.




Political Opinion


On census day 27th March 2011, in the Causeway Coast and Glens Local Government District the political opinion composition was as follows:
First Preference Votes                           Unionist Parties (%)                 Nationalist Parties (%)             Other Parties/Independent (%)
NI                                                                   43.2                                             41.1                                                 15.7
Causeway Coast and Glens
Local Government District                             49.4                                             34.9                                                 15.7


There is no indication or evidence to suggest that the event will have a negative impact on this Section 75 Group.

 


Racial Group


On Census Day 27th March 2011, in Causeway Coast and Glens Local Government District, considering the resident population:


Place of Birth                                 N. Ireland (%)          Rest of UK (%)            ROI (%)         Other Europe (%)       Rest of World (%)
NI                                                     88.84                          4.56                        2.09                  2.51                            1.99
Causeway Coast and Glens
Local Government District               91.02                          4.99                        1.42                  1.45                            1.06


There is no indication or evidence to suggest that the event will have a negative impact on this Section 75 Group.

 


Age


On census day 27th March 2011, in the Causeway Coast and Glens Local Government District the age composition was as follows:


Age                                                0-15 years                 16-64 years                   65+ years                    Total
NI                                                  379,323 (21%)           1,167,820 (64.5%)        263,720 (14.5%)         1,810,863 (100%)
Causeway Coast and Glens
Local Government District             28,756 (20.4%)           90,424 (64.2%)             21,697 (15.4%)          140,877 (100%)

The age profile of blind and partially sighted people in Northern Ireland differs from that of the resident population as a whole. In general terms, they tend to be older than the general population. For example, while 21 per cent of the resident population are aged 0-15 years, only 4.1 per cent of blind or partially sighted persons are in this age category. In contrast, 59 per cent of the blind or partially sighted population are aged 65 or over, compared with 15 per cent of usual residents. 

Statistics also reveal an ageing population. From 2001-2011, the population aged over 65 years has increased by 40,400 (18 per cent). Furthermore, those aged over 85 years have seen the greatest proportional increase; in 2001 there were 23,300 people aged over 85 years, which has now increased to 31,400 (an increase of 35 per cent over the decade).

NISRA recently published a statistical bulletin (May 2016) entitled ‘Population Projections for areas within Northern Ireland: 2014-based’. It relates to the time period mid-2014 to mid-2039. The bulletin contains key data relevant to the ageing population as well as how the age structure of the population is projected to change. 

For example:
• The population aged 65 and over is projected to increase by 74.4 per cent to 498,500 people from mid-2014 to mid-2039, with the result that one in four people (24.7 per cent) will be in this age category.
• The population aged 85 and over is projected to increase by 157.3 per cent to 88,600 people over the same period, which will see their share of the population increase from 1.9 per cent to 4.4 per cent.

 


Marital Status


On census day 27th March 2011, in the Causeway Coast and Glens Local Government District the marital status composition was as follows:


Marital Status                     All People ≥ 16         Single (never married) %      Married * %       Divorced %       Widowed ** %
NI                                      1,431,540 (100%)      36.14                                    51.63                  5.45                  6.78
Causeway Coast and
Glens Local Government  112,121 (7.83%)        34.77                                    53.09                  5.54                  6.60
District
*2011 Married – This includes people who were remarried; those who are separated but still legally married; and those in a same-sex civil partnership.
**2011 Widowed includes surviving partner from a same-sex civil partnership

There is no indication or evidence to suggest that the event will have a negative impact on this Section 75 Group.
 

 


Men and Women Generally


On census day 27th March 2011, in the Causeway Coast and Glens Local Government District the gender composition (men and women generally) was as follows:
Gender (Men and Women Generally)                        Male (%)                         Female (%)
NI                                                                                   49                                     51
Causeway Coast and Glens
Local Government District                                           49.46                                50.54


There is no indication or evidence to suggest that the event will have a negative impact on this Section 75 Group.
 

 


Sexual Orientation

There are no specific figures available on how many people may be Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual or Trans-gender or Trans-sexual (LGBT) specific to the Council area. 

The NI Rainbow Project estimates between 6-10% of any given population could be considered as LGBT.   This would equate to 8,453-14,088 of the Causeway Coast and Glens Local Government District population.


 


Dependants


On census day 27th March 2011, in the Causeway Coast and Glens Local Government District  the number of households with dependent children was as follows:

Households                                      % with Dependent Children
NI                                                              33.85
Causeway Coast and Glens
Local Government District                        33.37

A ‘dependent child’ is defined as 0-15 or aged 16-18 who is a full- time student and living in a family with his or her parent(s) or grandparent(s) (Census 2011).

There is no indication or evidence to suggest that the event will have a negative impact on this Section 75 Group.
 

 


Disability


On census day 27th March 2011, in the Causeway Coast and Glens Local Government District 


                                                                    Limiting Long Term Illness                      Very Good & Good General Health
NI                                                                 20.69%                                                      79.51%
Causeway Coast and Glens
Local Government District                           20.17%                                                        71%


A person is described as having a limiting long term health problem if they have a health problem or disability that limits their daily activities and which has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months. This includes problems that are due to old age (Census, 2011). Overall, in Northern Ireland and in the Council area, around 1 in 5 people suffer from some form of Limiting Long Term Illness.


Table 1 depicts a breakdown of long-term health problem or disability per type of condition indicated.


Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Long Term Condition:

Mobility or dexterity                                                                       19%
Long term pain or discomfort                                                        17%
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing                                    14%
A chronic illness                                                                            11%
Deafness or partial hearing loss                                                    9%
An emotional, psychological or mental health condition                9%
Other condition                                                                               9%
A learning, intellectual or social behaviour difficulty                       3%
Frequent periods of confusion or memory loss                              3%
Blindness or partial sight                                                                3%
Communication difficulty                                                                3%

Source: NINIS, Census 2011, KS302NI
Notes: 
1. ‘Communication difficulty’ means a difficulty with speaking or making yourself understood. 
2. ‘A mobility or dexterity difficulty’ means a condition that substantially limits one or more basic physical activities such as walking, climbing stairs, lifting or carrying. 
3. ‘An emotional, psychological or mental health condition’ includes conditions such as depression or schizophrenia. 
4. ‘Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing’ includes conditions such as asthma. 
5. ‘A chronic illness’ includes illnesses such as cancer, HIV, diabetes, heart disease or epilepsy. 
6. ‘Long-term’ refers to a condition which has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months.

Causeway Coast and Glens has followed guidance and acted on examples of best practice with regard to Vulnerable Adults & People with Disabilities Legislation. Council has introduced a designated policy and procedure for Adults at Risk. Previous Policies have included Vulnerable Adults within the Children Protection and Vulnerable Adults Policy.

The Adults at Risk Policy recognises the communication needs of people with Learning Difficulties and Disabled Users. The policy adopts a picture format which is accepted as a more user friendly process to raise awareness with regard to inappropriate behaviour. 

 


Screening Questions

1. What is the likely impact on equality of opportunity for those affected by this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?


Section 75 Category -  Positive impact (it could benefit)                              Neutral                                   Negative impact (it could disadvantage)                            

Gender
Women                                  Minor Negative impact (it could disadvantage)                                                             
Men                                       Minor Negative impact (it could disadvantage)                                                                            
Transgender men/women     Minor Negative impact (it could disadvantage)                                                                           
Other please specify             Minor Negative impact (it could disadvantage)         

Reason:    It is not envisaged that this event will have an adverse impact with regard to Gender.

 

Race

Asian                                 Minor Negative impact (it could disadvantage)  
Black                                 Minor Negative impact (it could disadvantage)  
Chinese                             Minor Negative impact (it could disadvantage)     
Mixed race                         Minor Negative impact (it could disadvantage)  
Other please specify          Minor Negative impact (it could disadvantage)  

Reason:    It is not envisaged that this event will have an adverse impact with regard to Racial Groups

     
Disability
Long term health impairment could include mental health problems, asthma, heart conditions, chronic fatigue etc.     Major Negative impact (it could disadvantage)  

Reason:      It is not envisaged that this event will have an adverse impact with regard to people with disabilities. 

 

Sexual orientation

Heterosexual, lesbian, gay men, bisexual, others     Positive impact / Minor Negative (it could benefit)  

Reason:         It is not envisaged that this event will have an adverse impact with regard to Sexual orientation.



Age

Older People  Minor Negative impact (it could benefit)  
Younger people and children  Minor Negative impact (it could benefit)         

Reason:    It is not envisaged that this event will have an adverse impact with regard to Age Groups.


          
Political Opinion

Neutral  / Minor           
 
Reason:    It is not envisaged that this event will have an adverse impact with regard to Political Opinion.

 

Religious Belief   

Minor Negative impact (it could benefit)  
               
Reason:    It is not envisaged that this event will have an adverse impact on Religious Belief

 

Martial Status

Minor Negative impact (it could benefit)                 

Reason:    It is not envisaged that this event will have an adverse impact with regard to Marital Status

 

Dependants

Minor Negative impact (it could benefit)  
Reason:    It is not envisaged that this event will have an adverse impact with regard to Dependents.

                   
      

                                                     


Screening Questions

2. Are there opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity for people within any of the Section 75 categories?


Gender

(Women, Men, Transgender men/women , Other please specify)  
This event does not negatively impact on Equality of Opportunity for men and women generally.

 

Race

The categories used in the Race section are those used in the 2011 census.  Consideration should be given to the needs of specific communities within the broad categories. 
(Asian, Black, Chinese, Mixed race, White, Other please specify)
This event does not negatively impact on Equality of Opportunity for people of different racial or ethnic group.

 

Disability

Provision of Accessoloo - disabled toilets (with hoist and attendant) at Ballymoney and Limavady.

Quiet Time for people with additional needs was provided in Ballymoney, Limavady, Coleraine and Ballycastle 5.30pm – 6.30pm. This varied in each town but included magician, balloon modeller, arts and crafts, wall of terror and creepy animals.

Disabled parking is provided in all town centre carparks.

It is not envisaged that this event will have an adverse impact with regard to people with disabilities.

 

Sexual orientation

Heterosexual, lesbian, gay men, bisexual, others

This event does not negatively impact on Equality of Opportunity for heterosexual, lesbian, gay men, bisexual, transgender or others

 

Age

Older People, Younger people and children
All age groups can get involved and enjoy the event. There will be something for everyone.

 

Political Opinion

This event does not negatively impact on Equality of Opportunity for those of differing Political Opinions.

 

Religious Belief

This event does not negatively impact on Equality of Opportunity for those of differing Religious Beliefs.

 

Marital Status

This event does not negatively impact on Equality of Opportunity for any particular Marital Status.

 

Dependants

This event does not negatively impact on Equality of Opportunity for those with or without Dependents. 

 

 

 

Screening Questions

3. To what extent is the policy likely to impact on good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group?


Section 75 Category:  Religious Belief
Details of policy impact:  Positive impact - neutral venues and neutral programming brings groups within and across communities together. 
Level of impact:  Minor

Section 75 Category:  Political Opinion
Details of policy impact:  Positive impact - neutral venues and neutral programming brings groups within and across communities together. 
Level of impact:  Minor

Section 75 Category:  Racial Group
Details of policy impact:  Positive impact - neutral venues and neutral programming brings groups within and across communities together. 
Level of impact:  Minor


 


Screening Questions

4. Are there opportunities to better promote good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group?

Religious Belief:   Yes.  Open to all sections of the community regardless of belief

Political Opinion:  Yes, engagement across the community with programming.

Racial Group:  Yes, liaison and engagement with the Chamber of Commerce and Councillors of differing political opinions.

 

 

Additional Considerations

Generally speaking people can fall into more than one Section 75 category.  Taking this into consideration, are there any potential impacts of the function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance on people with multiple identities?  (For example:  disabled minority ethnic people, disabled women, young Protestant men, young lesbians, gay and bisexual people.)

No impact.

 

Provide details of data on the impact of the function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance on people with multiple identities.  Specify the relevant Section 75 categories concerned.

No impact.
 

 

Disability Considerations

Is there an opportunity to better promote positive attitudes towards disabled people by altering this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?

Yes
Through the provision of Accessiloo, disabled toilet facilities and parking spaces to encourage participation.

Is there an opportunity to encourage participation by disabled people in public life by altering this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?

Yes
Through the provision of specific activities for children with special needs and additional disabled toilet facilities (Accessiloo) at each of the 4 events and reserved disabled parking spaces to ensure easier access. Also one of the videos to be aired will be subtitled for the deaf/partially hearing community.

 

Screening Decision


Likely Impact:  Minor

If the decision is to subject the policy to an equality impact assessment (i.e. likely impact – Major), please provide details of the reasons for this:  --

If the decision is not to conduct an equality impact assessment (i.e. likely impact = Minor) the Council should consider if the policy should be mitigated or an alternative policy be introduced: --


If the decision is not to conduct an equality impact assessment (i.e. likely impact = None), please provide details of the reasons for this:  --




Mitigation

When the Council concludes that the likely impact is ‘Minor’ and an equality impact assessment is not to be conducted, the Council may consider mitigation to lessen the severity of any equality impact, or the introduction of an alternative policy to better promote equality of opportunity or good relations.
Can the policy/decision be amended or changed or an alternative policy introduced to better promote equality of opportunity and/or good relations?

 No

If YES, give the reasons to support your decision, together with the proposed changes/amendments or alternative policy:
N/A


Timetabling And Prioritising
If the policy/decision has been ‘screened in’ for equality impact assessment, then please answer the following questions to determine its priority for timetabling the equality impact assessment.
On a scale of 1 to 3, with 1 being the lowest priority and 3 the highest, assess the policy in terms of its priority for equality impact assessment.
 

Priority Criterion
Rating (1 to 3)
Effect on equality of opportunity and good relations  N/A
Social Need  N/A
Effect on people’s daily lives  N/A
Relevance to the Council’s functions  N/A
 



Monitoring
Please outline proposals for future monitoring of the policy/decision:

  • Review of amendments and adaptations made for the 2022 event
  • Seek feedback from visitors attending 2020 virtual event
  • Debrief and ascertain lessons learned and ongoing monitoring





Approval And Authorisation


Screened By:  Events Officer   14 October 2022

Approved By:  Events Manager   14 October 2022