Equality Impact Assessment of the Castle Point Plan (Regulation 19 Draft)

Overview

The Castle Point Plan is for everybody who lives in, or will live in Castle Point over the next 20 years. 

It is therefore important that we ensure that it makes provision for everyone regardless of their characteristics.

The Equality Act 2010 requires the Council to ensure that all its policies, including the Castle Point Plan:

• Eliminate discrimination, harrassment and victimisation;
• Advance equality of opportunity between persons who share relevant protected characteristics and those who don't; and
• Foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and those who don't.

The Equality Act 2010 defines protected characteristics as:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

An Equality Impact Assessment has been undertaken of the Castle Point Plan to ensure that the proposals in the emerging Castle Point Plan meet the needs of local people in a positive way, and do not have an adverse impact on those with protected characteristics.

The Equality Impact Assessment was informed by a Scoping Report which was subject to consultation in 2024. The views of residents and other stakeholders was sought at that time to ensure that the Council had identified all the ways that the policies and proposals in the Castle Point Plan could impact on those with protected characteristics. A copy of the Scoping Report can be viewed here: Scoping Report

Why your views matter

Your comments on the Equality Impact Assessment are sought to ensure that it is a robust assessment of the Castle Point Plan in respect of those who have protected characteristics.