Please note: A number of our Parks will be CLOSED this weekend, Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 December 2024 due to the forecast high winds.

Other facilities may close at short notice for public and/or staff safety if required.

Equality Screening - Corporate Plan 2024-2028

Equality Screening - Corporate Plan 2024-2028 p3

 

Sexual orientation

  • Figures refer to borough residents aged 16 and over (of which there are 113,075).

NI Census 2021

Straight or heterosexual

Northern Ireland 90.04%

Mid and East Antrim Borough

91.04%

Gay or Lesbian

Northern Ireland 1.17%

Mid and East Antrim Borough

0.86%

Bisexual

Northern Ireland 0.75%

Mid and East Antrim Borough

0.56%

Other Sexual orientation

Northern Ireland 0.17%

Mid and East Antrim Borough

0.13%

Prefer not to say

Northern Ireland 4.58%

Mid and East Antrim Borough

 4.21%

Not stated

Northern Ireland 3.30%

Mid and East Antrim Borough

3.19%

 
  • The sexual orientation statistical breakdown for the Mid and East Antrim 2011 census was not available, therefore it is not possible to determine if there has been any change in the sexual orientation of residents.

Men and women generally

2021 Census

  • The population of the Borough is 49% male and 51% female, with no change since the 2011 census.

Disability

2021 Census

  • Of the 138,994 residents in Mid and East Antrim, 25% live with a limiting long-term health problem or disability.
  • Of the 58,283 households in Mid and East Antrim, 45% are affected by a resident or residents with a limiting long-term health problem or disability.
  • Nearly half the number of households in Mid and East Antrim are affected by one of the 50,121 limiting long-term health problems or disability recorded for the area.

Dependants

2021 Census

  • 27.07% of MEABC households have one or more dependent children. This has fallen from 32.14% recorded in the 2011 census.
  • The age breakdown of the dependent children is:

Age group in Mid and East Antrim Borough by (%) is as follows:

Age 0 - 4

9.65%

Age 5 - 11

9.39%

Age 12 - 18

8.03%

 
  • The majority of children within Mid and East Antrim households with dependent children are aged between 0 and 4.
  • Hours of unpaid care provided by residents of Mid and East Antrim Borough according to the 2021 census are:

Hours of Unpaid Care in Mid and East Antrim Borough by percentage:

1 – 19 hours

25.38%

20 – 34 hours

5.68%

35 – 49 hours

6.39%

50+ hours

17.33%

 

 

If you do not have enough data to tell you about potential or actual impacts you may need to conduct a pre-consultation to generate more data and to distinguish what groups are potentially affected by your policy.

Needs, experiences and priorities

Taking into account the information referred to above, what are the different needs, experiences and priorities of each of the following categories, in relation to the particular policy or decision? 

Specify details of the needs, experiences and priorities for each of the Section 75 categories below:

Section 75 category

Details needs, experiences and priorities

Religious belief

The Mid and East Antrim (MEA) Citizens Survey, undertaken in summer 2022, consisted of a representative sample of 810 people across the borough. Participant bands were agreed for residential quotas based on the 2021 Census outputs. Religious belief was not included as a demographic quote; however, we are confident that a representative sample has been gathered.

The Council also used the data gathered from the 2021 Census which stated that Protestant and other Christian religions comprise the majority of citizens within MEA borough at 58% compared to 17% Catholic. Overall NI figures record a majority of Catholic citizens; however this does not apply to MEA borough. MEA citizens without/did not state religion, accounts for approximately a quarter of MEA borough.

Political opinion

The corporate plan in an a-political document despite being produced by a political organisation.

The MEA Citizens Survey, undertaken in summer 2022, consisted of a representative sample of 810 people across the borough. Participant bands were agreed for residential quotas based on the 2021 Census outputs. Political opinion was not included as a demographic quote; however, we are confident that a representative sample has been gathered.

In addition to the results of the Citizens Survey, the Corporate Plan was shaped based on feedback from the Council’s 40 Elected Members. They have been able to provide viewpoints from multiple political groups.

These members are broken down by political membership shown below by percentage in Mid and East Antrim borough:

 

Democratic Unionist Party (DUP)

32.5%

Ulster Unionist Party (UUP)

20%

Alliance

17.5%

Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV)

12.5%

Independent

7.5%

Sinn Fein

10%

 

Racial group

The MEA Citizens Survey, undertaken in summer 2022, consisted of a representative sample of 810 people across the borough. Participant bands were agreed for residential quotas based on the 2021 Census outputs. Racial group was not included as a demographic quote; however, we are confident that a representative sample has been gathered.

During the consultation process for the Corporate Plan, the consultation was promoted using many different methods including, social media, newspaper and face-to-face questionnaires. This was to try to reach as many people across the borough as possible. We did not track racial groups but are confident that all groups were given equal opportunity to complete the consultation and have their views heard. In addition, the Council also emailed the consultation to all community groups within its community database.

In order to ensure that all individuals have equal access to the Corporate Plan, we will be offering the Plan in alternative languages if requested.

Age

The MEA Citizens Survey, undertaken in summer 2022, consisted of a representative sample of 810 people across the borough. Participant bands were agreed for residential quotas based on the 2021 Census outputs.

The survey asked respondents their ages based on three categories:

Age Group 16 to 39

35%

Age Group 40 to 64

43%

Age Group 65+

22%

 
The feedback from the survey allowed us to shape objectives in such a way to ensure that those of all age groups were included.

Additionally, the public consultation exercise also asked respondents their ages.

Age Group Under 20

Number of persons:

10 (7.09%)

20 to 29

Number of persons: 

15 (10.64%)

30 to 39

Number of persons:

24 (17.02%)

40 to 49

Number of persons:

31 (21.99%)
50 to 59

Number of persons:

25 (17.73%)
60 plus

Number of persons:

36 (25.53%)

This allowed us to see the data based on ages, and which proposed objectives had the most support. Respondents were also given the opportunity to include commentary which was carefully analysed and presented to Elected Members.

We are conscious that those of the older generation may require additional support to access and read the Corporate Plan. We are therefore going to offer an accessible version which will read aloud on our website and larger printed copies if requested. 

Marital status

The MEA Citizens Survey, undertaken in summer 2022, consisted of a representative sample of 810 people across the borough. Participant bands were agreed for residential quotas based on the 2021 Census outputs.

Marital status was not included as a demographic quote within the Citizen Survey, nor was it included as a question within the public consultation; however, we are confident that a representative sample has been gathered.

The Corporate Plan will not impact this demographic based solely on their status.

Sexual orientation

Sexual orientation was not included as a demographic quote within the Citizen Survey, nor was it included as a question within the public consultation; however, we are confident that a representative sample has been gathered.

The Corporate Plan will not impact this demographic based solely on this status.

Men and women generally

The MEA Citizens Survey, undertaken in summer 2022, consisted of a representative sample of 810 people across the borough. Participant bands were agreed for residential quotas based on the 2021 Census outputs.

The survey asked respondents their genders and the details are as follows:

Female

55%

Male

45%

This has allowed us to identify key priorities for the future while identifying if the support has come primarily from male or female respondents.

The public consultation conducted by Council did not specifically ask this question.

Disability

Disability status was not included as a demographic quote within the Citizen Survey, nor was it included as a question within the public consultation.

In the development of the Corporate Plan however, we have ensured to remain mindful of the impact would have individuals with disabilities and have included elements within the Plan to ensure their inclusion.

In relation to access to the Plan, people with disabilities may have the need for accessible documents and may have experienced difficulties in digesting complex, corporate documentation like this. Should this be the case, we will provide support if requested.

Dependants

Dependent status was not included as a demographic quote within the Citizen Survey, nor was it included as a question within the public consultation.

The Corporate Plan will not impact this demographic based solely on this status.

Part 2. Screening questions

Taking into account the evidence presented above, consider and comment on the likely impact on equality of opportunity and good relations for those affected by this policy, in any way, for each of the equality and good relations categories, and indicate the level of impact on the group i.e. minor, major or none.

1    What is the likely impact on equality of opportunity for those affected by this policy, for each of the Section 75 equality categories? Minor, major or none

Section 75 category

Details of policy impact

Indicate Level of impact for each category? 

Positive major

Positive minor

None

Negative major

Negative minor

Category: Religious belief

The Corporate Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to religious belief.

Under the People pillar, we have set an ambition that:

By 2028, Mid and East Antrim will be a safe, inclusive, and welcoming borough, where diversity and cultural differences are celebrated, and communities live in peace. Our people will have equity of opportunity and support to achieve their full potential, in both a professional and personal capacity. Individuals and communities will be empowered to be independent and self-sustaining, enabling us to concentrate our efforts on those who need it most.

All those categorised under Section 75 are included within this.

Specifically, objectives have been set to:

1. Work alongside partners to encourage good relations, enhance community pride, and reinforce a strong sense of belonging in our communities. 

Level of Impact: Positive minor

Category: Political opinion

The Corporate Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to political opinion.

Under the People pillar, we have set an ambition that:

By 2028, Mid and East Antrim will be a safe, inclusive, and welcoming borough, where diversity and cultural differences are celebrated, and communities live in peace. Our people will have equity of opportunity and support to achieve their full potential, in both a professional and personal capacity. Individuals and communities will be empowered to be independent and self-sustaining, enabling us to concentrate our efforts on those who need it most.

All those categorised under Section 75 are included within this.

Specifically, objectives have been set to:

1. Work alongside partners to encourage good relations, enhance community pride, and reinforce a strong sense of belonging in our communities.

Level of Impact: Positive minor

Category:

Racial group

The Corporate Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to racial group.

Under the People pillar, we have set an ambition that:

By 2028, Mid and East Antrim will be a safe, inclusive, and welcoming borough, where diversity and cultural differences are celebrated, and communities live in peace. Our people will have equity of opportunity and support to achieve their full potential, in both a professional and personal capacity. Individuals and communities will be empowered to be independent and self-sustaining, enabling us to concentrate our efforts on those who need it most.

Specifically, objectives have been set to:

1. Work alongside partners to encourage good relations, enhance community pride, and reinforce a strong sense of belonging in our communities.

Level of Impact: Positive minor

Racial group continued

Where English is not the first language of the individual, additional support may be required to access the plan. Council will mitigate by offering to supply alternative languages and formats on request. To do so proactively would not be feasible due to costs.

Level of Impact: Minor Negative

Category:

Age

The Corporate Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to age.

Under the People pillar, we have set an ambition that:

By 2028, Mid and East Antrim will be a safe, inclusive, and welcoming borough, where diversity and cultural differences are celebrated, and communities live in peace. Our people will have equity of opportunity and support to achieve their full potential, in both a professional and personal capacity. Individuals and communities will be empowered to be independent and self-sustaining, enabling us to concentrate our efforts on those who need it most.

Specifically, we have set objectives to:

1. Work in partnership with employers and stakeholders to support those seeking employment, provide upskilling support, improve access to the labour market for those with disabilities, and promote skills pathways.

2. Promote the benefits of offering apprenticeships and work experience opportunities to enhance skill development and bridge the gap between education and employment.

Level of Impact: Positive minor

Age continued

As age increases, the likelihood of having a disability also increases. This can include visual impairment. Where this is the case, support may be required to access the corporate plan. 

Where someone requires additional support to access the plan, alternative formats will be available upon request. To do so proactively would not be feasible due to costs.

Level of Impact: Minor Negative

Category:

Marital status

No specific impact has been identified at this level; however, the Plan is expected to have a positive impact on all members of the community. 

Level of Impact: None

Category:

Sexual orientation

No specific impact has been identified at this level; however, the Plan is expected to have a positive impact on all members of the community.

However, under the People pillar, we have set objectives to:

1. Lead by example to improve equality, accessibility, and inclusion across the borough by embedding it into everything we do.

2. Work alongside partners to encourage good relations, enhance community pride, and reinforce a strong sense of belonging in our communities. 

Level of Impact: Positive minor

Category:

Men and women generally

No specific impact has been identified at this level; however, the Plan is expected to have a positive impact on all members of the community.

However, under the People pillar, we have set objectives to:

1. Lead by example to improve equality, accessibility, and inclusion across the borough by embedding it into everything we do.

2. Work alongside partners to encourage good relations, enhance community pride, and reinforce a strong sense of belonging in our communities.

Level of Impact: Positive minor

Category:

Disability

The Corporate Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to disability.

Under the People pillar, we have set an ambition that:

By 2028, Mid and East Antrim will be a safe, inclusive, and welcoming borough, where diversity and cultural differences are celebrated, and communities live in peace. Our people will have equity of opportunity and support to achieve their full potential, in both a professional and personal capacity. Individuals and communities will be empowered to be independent and self-sustaining, enabling us to concentrate our efforts on those who need it most.

Specifically, under this pillar, we have set objectives to:

1. Work in partnership with employers and stakeholders to support those seeking employment, provide upskilling support, improve access to the labour market for those with disabilities, and promote skills pathways.

2. Promote the benefits of offering apprenticeships and work experience opportunities to enhance skill development and bridge the gap between education and employment.

3. Support and deliver opportunities for our citizens to improve their physical, mental, and emotional health.

4. Explore ways to help vulnerable and marginalised individuals feel welcome and supported in their local communities, removing feelings of isolation or exclusion.

5. Lead by example to improve equality, accessibility, and inclusion across the borough by embedding it into everything we do.

Level of Impact: Positive minor

Disability continued

Persons with a disability may require additional support accessing, reading or understanding the Corporate Plan. Alternative formats and assistance will be available upon request. Additionally, an accessible Word version of the Plan will also be available on the Council’s website for those unable to read the graphically designed Plan.

Level of Impact: Minor Negative

Category:

Dependants

No specific impact has been identified at this level; however, the Plan is expected to have a positive impact on all members of the community.

However, under the People pillar, we have set objectives to:

1. Lead by example to improve equality, accessibility, and inclusion across the borough by embedding it into everything we do.

Level of Impact: Positive minor

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

Section 75 category

If Yes, provide details for each category

If No, provide reasons

Category:

Religious Belief

 

No:

Given the strategic level at which the Corporate Plan has been set, opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity will come to fruition at an operational level. However, until the implementation of the Corporate Plan starts this cannot be identified.

Category:

Political opinion

 

No:

Given the strategic level at which the Corporate Plan has been set, opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity will come to fruition at an operational level. However, until the implementation of the Corporate Plan starts this cannot be identified.

Category:

Racial group

Yes: The Council will provide translation services if required.

 

Category:

Age

 

No:

Given the strategic level at which the Corporate Plan has been set, opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity will come to fruition at an operational level. However, until the implementation of the Corporate Plan starts this cannot be identified.

Category:

Marital Status

 

No:

Given the strategic level at which the Corporate Plan has been set, opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity will come to fruition at an operational level. However, until the implementation of the Corporate Plan starts this cannot be identified.

Category:

Sexual Orientation

 

No:

Given the strategic level at which the Corporate Plan has been set, opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity will come to fruition at an operational level. However, until the implementation of the Corporate Plan starts this cannot be identified.

Category:

Men and women generally

 

No:

Given the strategic level at which the Corporate Plan has been set, opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity will come to fruition at an operational level. However, until the implementation of the Corporate Plan starts this cannot be identified.

Category:

Disability

Yes:

The Council will provide additional support and reasonable adjustments if required.

Along with a PDF version of the Plan, Council will also publish an accessible Word version on its website for those unable to read the graphically designed Plan.

 

Category:

Dependents

 

No:

Given the strategic level at which the Corporate Plan has been set, opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity will come to fruition at an operational level. However, until the implementation of the Corporate Plan starts this cannot be identified.

3    To what extent is the policy likely to impact on good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group? Minor, major or none

Good relations category

Detail the policy impact for each category

Advise Level of impact for each category? 

Positive major

Positive minor

None

Negative major

Negative minor

Category:

Religious belief

Policy Impact:

The Corporate Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to religious belief, however, given the strategic level at which the Corporate Plan has been set, the extent to which these groups will positively impact them cannot be identified.

Under the People pillar, we have set an ambition that:

By 2028, Mid and East Antrim will be a safe, inclusive, and welcoming borough, where diversity and cultural differences are celebrated, and communities live in peace. Our people will have equity of opportunity and support to achieve their full potential, in both a professional and personal capacity. Individuals and communities will be empowered to be independent and self-sustaining, enabling us to concentrate our efforts on those who need it most.

Specifically, under this pillar, we have set objectives to:

1. Explore ways to help vulnerable and marginalised individuals feel welcome and supported in their local communities, removing feelings of isolation or exclusion.

2. Lead by example to improve equality, accessibility, and inclusion across the borough by embedding it into everything we do.

3. Work alongside partners to encourage good relations, enhance community pride, and reinforce a strong sense of belonging in our communities.

Level of Impact:

Major Positive

Category:

Political opinion

Policy Impact:

The Corporate Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to religious belief, however, given the strategic level at which the Corporate Plan has been set, the extent to which these groups will positively impact them cannot be identified.

Under the People pillar, we have set an ambition that:

By 2028, Mid and East Antrim will be a safe, inclusive, and welcoming borough, where diversity and cultural differences are celebrated, and communities live in peace. Our people will have equity of opportunity and support to achieve their full potential, in both a professional and personal capacity. Individuals and communities will be empowered to be independent and self-sustaining, enabling us to concentrate our efforts on those who need it most.

Specifically, under this pillar, we have set objectives to:

1. Explore ways to help vulnerable and marginalised individuals feel welcome and supported in their local communities, removing feelings of isolation or exclusion.

2. Lead by example to improve equality, accessibility, and inclusion across the borough by embedding it into everything we do.

3. Work alongside partners to encourage good relations, enhance community pride, and reinforce a strong sense of belonging in our communities.

Level of Impact:
Major Positive

Category:

Racial group

Policy Impact:

The Corporate Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to religious belief, however, given the strategic level at which the Corporate Plan has been set, the extent to which these groups will positively impact them cannot be identified.

Under the People pillar, we have set an ambition that:

By 2028, Mid and East Antrim will be a safe, inclusive, and welcoming borough, where diversity and cultural differences are celebrated, and communities live in peace. Our people will have equity of opportunity and support to achieve their full potential, in both a professional and personal capacity. Individuals and communities will be empowered to be independent and self-sustaining, enabling us to concentrate our efforts on those who need it most.

Specifically, under this pillar, we have set objectives to:

1. Explore ways to help vulnerable and marginalised individuals feel welcome and supported in their local communities, removing feelings of isolation or exclusion.

2. Lead by example to improve equality, accessibility, and inclusion across the borough by embedding it into everything we do.

3. Work alongside partners to encourage good relations, enhance community pride, and reinforce a strong sense of belonging in our communities.

Level of Impact:

Major Positive

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

Good relations category

If Yes, provide details 

If No, provide reasons

Category:

Religious belief

 

No:

Given the strategic level at which the Corporate Plan has been set, opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity will come to fruition at an operational level. However, until the implementation of the Corporate Plan starts this cannot be identified.

Category:

Political Opinion

 

No:

Given the strategic level at which the Corporate Plan has been set, opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity will come to fruition at an operational level. However, until the implementation of the Corporate Plan starts this cannot be identified.

Category:

Racial Group

 

No:

Given the strategic level at which the Corporate Plan has been set, opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity will come to fruition at an operational level. However, until the implementation of the Corporate Plan starts this cannot be identified.

Continue to Page 4