Equality Action Plan Equality Screening Available Evidence Part 1

S75 Equality And Good Relations Screening Form

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.

It is proposed that all Section 75 categories will be considered via:

• Quantitative evidence has been sourced via the NI Census in 2021, the Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey 2021 and strategies and publications noted above.

Section 75 Category Details of Evidence/Information:

• The Census statistics in 2021 collated by NISRA statistics detailed the usual resident population of Causeway Coast & Glens Local Government District to be 141,746 accounting for 7.45% of the N.I. total.     Statistical information with regards to the Districts makeup and individuals therein was also reviewed. 

 

Religious Beliefs 

At the last census in Northern Ireland the main current religions were: Catholic (42.3%); Presbyterian (16.6%); Church of Ireland (11.6%); Methodist (2.5%); Other Christian denominations (6.9%); Other religions (1.3%).  In addition there were individuals who stated they had no religion (17.4%) and the remaining population (1.6%) did not answer this question.

There was a similar picture in Causeway Coast and Glens where the main current religions were: Catholic (37.6%); Presbyterian (23.2%); Church of Ireland (15%); Methodist (0.7%); Other Christian denominations (6.4%); Other religions (0.7%).  In addition there were individuals who stated they had no religion (15%) and the remaining population (1.4%) did not answer this question. 
By comparing statistics in 2011 and 2021 and religion of upbringing (see tables below) it is clear that residents in our area as in the whole of Northern Ireland are becoming more secular.  This mirrors the trend across Northern Ireland as a whole.

A Comparison of the main current religions in both 2011 and 2021 
                                                                  2011                  2021
Catholic                                                    (37%)               (37.6%)
Presbyterian                                           (25.6%)              (23.2%)
Church of Ireland                                    (16.5%)               (15%)
Methodist                                                 (0.9%)                (0.7%)
Other Christian denominations                (5.5%)                (6.4%)
Other religions                                         (0.6%)                (0.7%)
No religion                                               (8.4%)                 (15%)
Religion not stated                                  (5.6%)                 (1.4%)


Religion / religion brought up in:    
Census 2021                               CC&G Borough Council           Northern Ireland
Roman Catholic                                       40.12%                              45.70%
Protestant & Other Christian
(including Christian related)                     51.17%                              43.48%
Other Religions                                          0.78%                               1.50%
None/Not stated                                         7.94%                               9.32%

Our staff profile:
Staff breakdown by Religious Belief / Community Background            
                                                             (Figures as at 21 October 2022)
Religious Belief /
Community Background                   Gender                Number of Staff 
Roman Catholic                                 Male                    119 (19.67%)
                                                         Female                 126 (20.82%) 
Protestant                                          Male                    199 (32.89%)
                                                         Female                 128 (21.16%)
Non-Determined                                Male                      17 (2.81%)
                                                         Female                   16 (2.65%)
Total                                                                                      605

As the actions contained in the Equality Action Plan aim to support individuals of different religious beliefs or without any, there is no evidence to indicate that the Action Plan will have a negative impact on this Section 75 group.
A consultation process will support the identification of any currently unknown impacts.

Political Opinion

The breakdown of current electoral members is detailed in the table below.

The Glens and Benbradagh electoral areas have a nationalist-orientated majority, while Limavady, Bann, Causeway, Ballymoney and Coleraine have a unionist orientated majority of representation.

Political Party                            Seats
                                         After 2023 Election           2023            2019
Sinn Féin                                   12                              9                   9
SDLP                                          3                               4                   6
DUP                                           13                             13                14
UUP                                            4                               6                   7
Alliance                                       5                               2                   2
PUP                                            1                               1                   1
Independent                               0                               5                   1
TUV                                            2
Total                                          40                             40                  40

The Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey (2021) provides the following information on the political parties people in Northern Ireland feel closest to (this information is not available at local government level) :

                                                                                     %
DUP/Democratic Unionist Party                                  12
Sinn Féin                                                                     13
Ulster Unionist Party (UUP)                                        13
Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP)              13
Alliance Party                                                              19
Green Party                                                                  5
Other Party                                                                   4
None of these                                                              11
Other answer                                                                1
Don't know                                                                    9

Northern Ireland Life and Times survey (NILT 2019-21 dataset) found respondents from Causeway Coast and Glens felt relationships between Protestants and Catholics had improved over the last 5 years (43%), compared to the NI average (38%). Respondents in our area were also more likely to think relations between Protestants and Catholics will be better in 5 years' time than now (40%) compared to the NI average (32%).  Respondents also felt our leisure facilities (96%) and parks (94%) were shared.

PSNI statistics highlighted that during the period 31 July 2022 to 31 July 2023 there had been 48 sectarian hate crime incidents reported within our Borough area.  Although this was a reduction of 26 on the previous year. 

Our staff profile:
No information is held.  It is considered that staff may be cautious about sharing this type of information with their employer.  
As the actions contained in the Equality Action Plan aim to support individuals of different political opinions, there is no evidence to indicate that the Action Plan will have a negative impact on this Section 75 group.
A consultation process will support the identification of any currently unknown impacts.

Racial Group

The 2021 Census detailed 98.55% of our population is white, with 1.45% from an ethnic background. The largest minority ethnic groups in Causeway Coast and Glens are Chinese (0.22%), Indian (0.15%) and Filipino (0.10%).
On Census Day 21 March 2021 the resident population was:  
 
Census 2021                          CC&G Borough Council         Northern Ireland
White                                               98.55%                             96.55%
Irish Traveller                                    0.03%                               0.14%
Roma                                                0.01%                               0.08%
Indian                                                0.15%                               0.52%
Chinese                                             0.22%                               0.50%
Filipino                                               0.10%                               0.23%
Pakistani                                            0.03%                               0.08%
Arab                                                   0.03%                               0.10%
Other Asian                                        0.10%                               0.28%
Black African                                      0.12%                               0.42%
Black Other                                        0.04%                               0.16%
Mixed                                                 0.51%                               0.76%
Other ethnicities                                 0.11%                               0.19%

The proportion of ethnic groups from a non-white background has increased in Causeway Coast and Glens over the last 10 years by 0.95% slightly increasing the diversity in our population.
 

Country of Birth (basic detail)
Table MS-A16: Census 2021                         CC&G Borough Council
Europe: United Kingdom: Northern Ireland             127,171
Europe: United Kingdom: England                              5,991
Europe: United Kingdom: Scotland                             1,556
Europe: United Kingdom: Wales                                    234
Europe: Republic of Ireland                                        1,931
Europe: Other EU countries                                       2,733
Europe: Other non-EU countries                                   149
Africa                                                                             384
Middle East and Asia                                                     825
North America, Central America and Caribbean           499
South America                                                                55
Antarctica, Oceania and Other                                      219

As can be seen in the table above, 3.45% of our residents were born outside the UK/Ireland and as demonstrated in the table below this is an increase over the last 10 years of 0.56%. 

Although our population is becoming more diverse it is important to note that while other family members may be able to support translation, 1.30% or 750 households do not speak English as their main language and therefore require translation services.  The other main languages spoken are Polish, Irish and Portuguese closely followed by Arabic, Bulgarian, Chinese and Cantonese. 

The census demonstrated that 10% of our population had some ability in Irish  and 19% had some ability in Ulster-Scots . It also showed 4.85% of individuals spoke Irish  in their daily lives (daily/weekly/less frequently) and 7.22% of individuals spoke Ulster-Scots  in their daily lives (daily/weekly/less frequently). 

Racist incidents and crimes in Causeway Coast and Glens, show an increase of 2 reported incidents, however there was a drop in the number of recorded crimes. 
Racist incidents and Crimes comparison 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 (Causeway Coast and Glens) 
                               2021 – 2022            2022 – 2023            Change
Incidents                       44                              46                          2
Crimes                          29                              25                         -4

These incidents link with the findings of the Northern Ireland Life and Times survey (NILT 2019-21 dataset) which found respondents from Causeway Coast and Glens were less supportive of people from another ethnic group (64%).  Respondents from our area were also less likely to believe the culture and traditions from minority ethnic communities (59%) added to the richness of NI society, when compared to the NI average of 64%.

Our staff profile:
Staff breakdown by Racial Group / Ethnic Origin                 
(Figures as at 21 October 2022)
Racial Group / Ethnic Origin                    Number of Staff
Mixed Ethnic Group                                    1 (0.16%)
Other                                                           2 (0.33%)
White / White European                          546 (90.25%)
Unknown                                                   56 (9.26%)
Total                                                              605

As demonstrated in the table above 9.26% of staff did not disclose their racial group / ethnic origin.  It is key that we as a public body collect robust information on both our citizens and staff to monitor inequalities, develop evidence-based policy and to plan service delivery. Without ethnic monitoring, it is difficult to identify gaps and monitor whether racial equality and good relations work is having any impact. 

As the actions contained in the Equality Action Plan aim to support individuals of different racial backgrounds, there is no evidence to indicate that the Action Plan will have a negative impact on this Section 75 group.

A consultation process will support the identification of any currently unknown impacts.
 

Age

Age NISRA Census 2021 – Table MS-A02) 
Census 2021          CC&G Borough Council       Northern Ireland
0-4 years                   7,973 (5.62%)                    113,820 (5.98%)
5-9 years                   8,878 (6.26%)                    124,475 (6.54%)
10-14 years               9,113 (6.43%)                    126,918 (6.67%)
15-19 years               8,326 (5.87%)                    113,203 (5.95%)
20-24 years               7,873 (5.55%)                    111,386 (5.85%)
25-29 years               7,713 (5.44%)                    116,409 (6.12%)
30-34 years               8,460 (5.97%)                    126,050 (6.62%)
35-39 years               8,528 (6.02%)                    127,313 (6.69%)
40-44 years               8,513 (6.01%)                    122,163 (6.42%)
45-49 years               9,322 (6.58%)                    121,670 (6.39%)
50-54 years             10,412 (7.35%)                    130,967 (6.88%)
55-59 years             10,150 (7.16%)                    129,276 (6.79%)
60-64 years               9,171 (6.47%)                    113,049 (5.94%)
65-69 years               7,769 (5.48%)                      93,464 (4.91%)
70-74 years               6,990 (4.93%)                      83,467 (4.39%)
75-79 years                5,659 (3.99%)                     66,377 (3.49%)
80-84 years                3,718 (2.62%)                     43,776 (2.30%)
85-89 years                2,126 (1.50%)                    25,879 (1.36%)
90+ years                   1,051 (0.74%)                    13,512 (0.71%)
TOTAL Population     141,745                              1,903,174
Statistics in the table above highlight an ageing population.  

Age Comparison for CC&G Borough Council for the years 2011 and 2021 
Census 2021
Age Range (years)                 2011                  2021
0-14                                        19%                   18%
15-39                                      33%                    29%
40-64                                      33%                    34%
65+                                         15%                    19%
It can be seen from the 2 tables above, that in the 44 and under groupings our borough statistics have decreased and are lower than the Northern Ireland average.  Whereas the number of individuals aged 45 years and upwards has increased and our percentages in these groupings are higher than the Northern Ireland Average.
This is a trend which is forecast to continue as identified in NISRA’s 2020-based Interim Population Projections for Northern Ireland, which states that "by mid-2027, the number of people aged 65 and over is projected to overtake the number of children" . 


On census day, 18.32% (25,964) of the population were children aged 0 to 14. Those aged between 15 and 64 years represented 62.41% (88,468) of the population and the remaining 19.27% (27,314) were aged 65 and over. 

Age Comparison for CC&G Borough Council for the years 2011 and 2021 
Age Range (years)           2011                  2021
0-14                                  19%                   18%
15-39                                33%                   29%
40-64                                33%                   34%
65+                                   15%                   19%
Total numbers                140,877             141,746

As demonstrated in the above table; over the 10-year period, the population has increased by 0.61% (869); with those in the 65 and over segment displaying the largest increase of 4% (6,182). 


Our staff profile:
Our staff profile also indicates that the majority of our workforce is in the age bracket 50+ as demonstrated in the table below.
Staff breakdown by Age           (Figures as at 21 October 2022)
Age Group                             Number of staff
22-29                                       21 (3.47%)
30-34                                       28 (4.63%)
35-39                                       64 (10.58%)
40-44                                       71 (11.74%)
45-49                                       99 (16.36%)
50-54                                     115 (19.01%)
55-59                                       92 (15.21%)
60-64                                       88 (14.54%)
65-120                                     27 (4.46%)
Total                                            605

The age range of the staff profile would be similar to the area in that there is an older workforce.  However, this may indicate an inequality with regards to individuals in the younger age brackets which is why there is a specific action in the plan to address this.
As the actions contained in the Equality Action Plan aim to support individuals of different ages, there is no evidence to indicate that the Action Plan will have a negative impact on this Section 75 group.
A consultation process will support the identification of any currently unknown impacts.
 

Marital Status

Marital status by former legacy Council area (most recent figures available from Census 2021):

Marital and civil partnership status
MS-A30: Census 2021                              CC&G Borough Council     Northern Ireland
Single (never married or never
registered a civil partnership)                          40,720 (35.67%)            576,708 (38.07%)
Married                                                            54,576 (47.81%)            690,509 (45.59%)
In a civil partnership                                             155 (0.14%)                  2,742 (0.18%)
Separated (but still legally married or
still legally in a civil partnership)                         3,795 (3.32%)                57,272 (3.78%)
Divorced or formerly in a civil partnership
which is now legally dissolved                             7,258 (6.36%)               91,128 (6.02%)
Widowed or surviving partner from a
civil partnership                                                   7,655 (6.71%)                96,384 (6.36%)
All usual residents aged 16 and over                    114,159                             1,514,743

Causeway Coast and Glens follows a similar pattern to that of Northern Ireland in that the highest percentage of residents are married (47.81% compared with the NI average of 45.59%).  The patterns are all higher than the NI average with the exception of Individuals in a civil partnership lens at 0.14% is slightly lower than the NI average of 0.18%.  

Same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland has been legal since 13 January 2020. (Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019)

Staff breakdown by Marital Status      (Figures as at 21 October 2022)
Marital Status                            Number of staff
Unknown                                        60 (9.92%)
Married \ Civil Partnership            336 (55.54%)
Divorced                                         12 (1.98%)
Other                                              19 (3.14%)
Separated                                       12 (1.98%)
Single                                            164 (27.11%)
Widowed                                           2 (0.33%)
Total                                                  605

As the actions contained in the Equality Action Plan aim to support individuals of all marital status’s, there is no evidence to indicate that the Action Plan will have a negative impact on this Section 75 group.

A consultation process will support the identification of any currently unknown impacts.
 

Sexual Orientation

The 2021 census for the first time included a question on sexual orientation.  

Sexual orientation
MS-C01: Census 2021                 CC&G Borough Council           Northern Ireland
Straight or heterosexual                    104,205 (91.28%)                1,363,859 (90.04%)
Gay or lesbian                                          906 (0.79%)                    17,713 (1.17%)
Bisexual                                                    596 (0.52%)                    11,306 (0.75%)
Other sexual orientation                           135 (0.12%)                      2,597 (0.17%)
Prefer not to say                                    4,502 (3.94%)                    69,307 (4.58%)
Not stated                                              3,816 (3.34%)                    49,961 (3.30%)
All usual residents aged 16 and over       114,160                               1,514,743

Responses detailed a lower number of individuals who stated their sexual orientations were gay, lesbian or bisexual when compared to the Northern Ireland figure.

Sexual orientation by broad age bands
MS-C02: Census 2021                           CC&G Borough Council              Northern Ireland
All usual residents aged 16 and over             114,158                                  1,514,745
Straight or heterosexual                                 104,203 (91.28%)              1,363,859 (90.04%)
Gay, lesbian, bisexual, other sexual
orientation                                                         1,637 (1.43%)                      31,617 (2.09%)
Prefer not to say/ Not stated                             8,318 (7.29%)                    119,269 (7.87%)
Usual residents aged 16-24 years                    14,576                                      201,369
Straight or heterosexual                                  13,099 (89.87%)                  175,346 (87.08%)
Gay, lesbian, bisexual, other sexual
orientation                                                            517 (3.55%)                      9,283 (4.61%)
Prefer not to say/ Not stated                                960 (6.59%)                    16,740 (8.31%)
Usual residents aged 25-39 years                       24,700                                    369,770
Straight or heterosexual                                  22,732 (92.03%)                 330,734 (89.44%)
Gay, lesbian, bisexual, other sexual
orientation                                                           649 (2.63%)                       13,991 (3.78%)
Prefer not to say/ Not stated                             1,319 (5.34%)                      25,045 (6.77%)
Usual residents aged 40-64 years                       47,568                                  617,126
Straight or heterosexual                                   44,419 (93.38%)                    571,502 (92.61%)
Gay, lesbian, bisexual, other sexual orientation     419 (0.88%)                        7,459 (1.21%)
Prefer not to say/ Not stated                                2,730 (5.74%)                     38,165 (6.18%)
Usual residents aged 65+ years                               27,314                               326,480
Straight or heterosexual                                   23,953 (87.69%)                  286,277 (87.69%)
Gay, lesbian, bisexual, other sexual orientation       52 (0.19%)                          884 (0.27%)
Prefer not to say/ Not stated                               3,309 (12.11%)                    39,319 (12.04%)

The council currently has no data specific to its workforce.
As the actions contained in the Equality Action Plan aim to support individuals with all sexual orientations, there is no evidence to indicate that the Action Plan will have a negative impact on this Section 75 group.
A consultation process will support the identification of any currently unknown impacts
 

Men and Women Generally Gender:  

Men and Women Generally Gender:  (Census 2021 – Table MS-A07)  
                                          CC&G Borough Council                Northern Ireland
Male                                        69,848 (49.28%)                    936,132 (49.19%)
Female                                    71,898 (50.72%)                    967,043 (50.81%)


Staff breakdown by Gender                          (Figures as at 21 October 2022)
Gendere                              Number of staff
Male                                      335 (55.38%)
Female                                  270 (44.62%)
Total                                          605
As the actions contained in the Equality Action Plan aim to support individuals of all genders, there is no evidence to indicate that the Action Plan will have a negative impact on this Section 75 group.
A consultation process will support the identification of any currently unknown impacts.