Assessing Equality Impact of DVA's Vehicle Registration Policy in Northern Ireland, Study notes of English Literature

Download Assessing Equality Impact of DVA's Vehicle Registration Policy in Northern Ireland and more Study notes English Literature in PDF only on Docsity! FINAL v1.0 1 DOE SECTION 75 EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY SCREENING ANALYSIS FORM Under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, the Department is required to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity between the groups listed at Appendix 1. In addition, without prejudice to its obligations above, the Department is also required, in carrying out its functions relating to Northern Ireland, to have regard to the desirability of promoting good relations between persons of different religious beliefs, political opinion or racial group. This form is intended to help you to consider whether a new or revised policy (either internal or external) or legislation will require a full equality impact assessment (EQIA). Those policies identified as having significant implications for equality of opportunity must be subject to full EQIA. The form will provide a record of the factors taken into account if a policy is screened out, or excluded for EQIA. It will provide a basis for consultation on the outcome of the screening exercise and will be referenced in the Annual Report to the Equality Commission. Reference should be made to the outcome of the screening exercise and subsequent consultation in any submission made to the Minister. It is important that this screening form is completed carefully and thoughtfully. Your business area‟s Equality Representative and the Department‟s Equality Team (ext 37060/37061) will be happy to assist with all aspects of the screening process and will help with the completion of the form, if required. All screening forms should be signed off by the policy maker, approved by a senior manager responsible for the policy and sent to the Equality Team who will arrange to have them posted on the Department’s website. Policy Title: The Future Delivery of Vehicle Registration and Licensing Services in Northern Ireland (NI) Business Area: DVA Northern Ireland Contact: Lynette Rose – Deputy Corporate Affairs Director, DVLA, Swansea FINAL v1.0 2 Screening flowchart and template Introduction Part 1. Policy scoping – asks the Department to provide details about the policy, procedure, practice and/or decision being screened and what available evidence has been gathered to help make an assessment of the likely impact on equality of opportunity and good relations. Part 2. Screening questions – asks about the extent of the likely impact of the policy on groups of people within each of the Section 75 categories. Details of the groups consulted and the level of assessment of the likely impact. This includes consideration of multiple identity and good relations issues. Part 3. Screening decision – guides the Department to reach a screening decision as to whether or not there is a need to carry out an equality impact assessment (EQIA), or to introduce measures to mitigate the likely impact, or the introduction of an alternative policy to better promote equality of opportunity and/or good relations. Part 4. Monitoring – provides guidance on monitoring for adverse impact and broader monitoring. Part 5. Approval and authorisation – verifies the Department‟s approval of a screening decision by a senior manager responsible for the policy. All screening templates must be signed off by the relevant policy maker, approved by a senior manager responsible for the policy and forwarded to the Department‟s Equality Team for quality assurance, approval and publication on the Department‟s website. Part 6. Submission to the Departmental Equality Team – Contact details for the Equality Team can be found in this section. FINAL v1.0 5 The DVLA has examined various options to deliver enhanced vehicle services to NI motorists, which have been revised to a single proposal. Based on this analysis, we propose that integrating the GB & NI vehicle systems and centralising the delivery of services at the DVLA‟s headquarters in Swansea is the only option that delivers enhanced services to NI customers, while ensuring parity of service across the UK and remaining economically viable. Full details of the proposal can be found in the consultation document “Future of Vehicle Registration and Licensing Services in Northern Ireland” and supporting impact assessments. This includes a full Equality Analysis, which is embedded below and can be read in conjunction with this screening. DVLA Future of NI Vehicle Services - Equality Analysis v1.0 FINAL.doc This screening document focuses purely on the impacts that existing DVA customers within the relevant Section 75 groups will experience. An analysis of the impact on DVA staff within the relevant Section 75 groups has been compiled separately. Are there any Section 75 categories which might be expected to benefit from the intended policy? If so, explain how. All Section 75 categories will benefit from the improved availability of enhanced vehicle registration and licensing services. Disabled and elderly people in particular may benefit the most from more accessible services, both online and face to face at Post Office branches, thus reducing the need to travel (in some circumstances), reducing travel time/distance and improving choice. Some customers that do not wish, or are unable, to transact in English will benefit from a range of translation services available both from DVLA and some Post Office branches. Who initiated or wrote the policy? The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) Who owns and who implements the policy? The Department for Transport and the DVLA, with assistance on the staffing elements from the Department of the Environment Northern Ireland (DoE NI). FINAL v1.0 6 Implementation factors Are there any factors which could contribute to/detract from the intended aim/outcome of the policy/decision? √ Yes No If yes, are they √ financial legislative √ other, please specify: Equal opportunities through providing parity of service to NI motorists to bring the services available there in line with those already available in the rest of the UK. Additionally, the views gathered during the “Future of Vehicle Registration and Licensing Services in Northern Ireland” may influence or affect the implementation of the policy. Main stakeholders affected Who are the internal and external stakeholders (actual or potential) that the policy will impact upon? √ staff √ service users √ other public sector organisations √ voluntary/community/trade unions √ other, please specify: The motor trade will be particularly impacted by the improved services available. Other policies with a bearing on this policy  what are they? FINAL v1.0 7  UK Government “Digital by Default” policy  Civil Service Reform  UK Government Deficit Reduction Policy  who owns them?  The UK Government FINAL v1.0 10 Source: DVA Customer satisfaction survey 2011 Source: NI Census 2011 The provision of improved services will be universal and available to all motorists regardless of their marital status. With the largest proportion of DVA customers noted as in a Married/Civil Partnership, there may be a higher impact on this group, but this is not as a result of the Policy itself. Sexual orientation There is no evidence available for this category as DVA does not capture the sexual orientation of customers. It is therefore assumed that the customer profile would be in line with national averages. However, the provision of improved services will be universal and available to all motorists regardless of sexual orientation. Men and women generally Breakdown of DVA customers and NI households by gender DVA customers NI Households Male 54.50% 49% Female 45.50% 51% 100% 100% Source: DVA Customer satisfaction survey 2011 Source: NI Census 2011 The provision of improved services will be universal and available to all motorists regardless of gender. Whilst there may be a higher impact on males than females, this is not as a result of the Policy itself. Disability Breakdown of DVA customers and NI population by disability / limiting long-term illness Disability / limiting long-term illness DVA customers NI population Yes 14.30% 21% No 85.70% 79% All persons aged 16 and over 100% 100.0% Source: DVA Customer satisfaction survey 2011 Source: NI Census 2011 The number of DVA customers classed as disabled is lower than the national average, reducing the potential impact on this group. The full Impact Assessment for this proposal, supported by evidence from DVLA‟s UK-wide FINAL v1.0 11 2011/12 consultation on transforming DVLA services, highlights specific benefits for this group. These arise from the availability of online services and better access to face to face services through around 150 NI Post Office branches. Dependants Breakdown of DVA customers and NI households by care responsibilities Dependents DVA customers NI households Care of a child / children 70.10% 33.9% Care of a person with a disability 16.10% N/A Care of an elderly person 13.80% N/A Source: DVA Customer satisfaction survey 2011 Source: NI Census 2011 Whilst evidence shows a large number of DVA customers care for a child/children, there may be a higher impact on this group, but this is not as a result of the Policy itself. FINAL v1.0 12 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/decision? Specify details for each of the Section 75 categories. Section 75 category Details of needs/experiences/priorities Religious belief In relation to vehicle registration and licensing services, no specific needs or priorities have been identified for customers based on religious beliefs. Political opinion In relation to vehicle registration and licensing services, no specific needs or priorities have been identified for customers based on political opinion. Racial group Customers in this group that do not wish, or are unable, to transact in English may require support and/or alternative language services. Age Some elderly customers may require services that have a higher level of accessibility due to reduced mobility, hearing loss, sight loss or other age-related issues. Marital status In relation to vehicle registration and licensing services, no specific needs or priorities have been identified for customers based on marital status. Sexual orientation In relation to vehicle registration and licensing services, no specific needs or priorities have been identified for customers based on sexual orientation. Men and women generally In relation to vehicle registration and licensing services, no specific needs or priorities have been identified for customers based on gender. Disability Some disabled customers may require services that have a higher level of accessibility due to reduced FINAL v1.0 15 e) The policy is likely to be challenged by way of judicial review; f) The policy is significant in terms of expenditure. In favour of ‘minor’ impact a) The policy is not unlawfully discriminatory and any residual potential impacts on people are judged to be negligible; b) The policy, or certain proposals within it, are potentially unlawfully discriminatory, but this possibility can readily and easily be eliminated by making appropriate changes to the policy or by adopting appropriate mitigating measures; c) Any asymmetrical equality impacts caused by the policy are intentional because they are specifically designed to promote equality of opportunity for particular groups of disadvantaged people; d) By amending the policy there are better opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity and/or good relations. In favour of none a) The policy has no relevance to equality of opportunity or good relations. b) The policy is purely technical in nature and will have no bearing in terms of its likely impact on equality of opportunity or good relations for people within the equality and good relations categories. 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, by applying the screening questions given overleaf and indicate the level of impact on the group i.e. minor, major or none. FINAL v1.0 16 Screening questions 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/none Section 75 category Details of policy impact Level of impact? minor/major/none Religious belief The improved services will be universal and available to all NI motorists, regardless of religious belief. None Political opinion The improved services will be universal and available to all NI motorists, regardless of political opinion. None Racial group Some racial groups that do not wish, or are unable to transact in English, may be impacted if there are no alternative language services to those that may currently be available through their DVA local office. These individuals will benefit from this proposal, as they will be able to use the DVLA „Big Word‟ translation service, which will be available through the DVLA‟s Contact Centre. A selection of key DVLA application forms and leaflets are also available in a wide range of European and international languages. In addition, some individual Post Office branches offer alternative language services to support those requiring specific assistance. Although there may be a minor impact to some customers in this group, DVLA feels that the overall impact is positive due to the range of service Minor FINAL v1.0 17 improvements being introduced Age Some elderly customers may be impacted if they currently rely upon services delivered through a DVA local Office for convenience. As more services will be available at Post Offices, this may help older people who may not have to travel as far as they currently do in order to access vehicle registration and licensing services. Around 150 NI Post Offices will replace the 8 DVA Local Offices to provide additional face to face relicensing services, resulting in a more convenient and local service to NI motorists of all ages. This will also eliminate the disadvantage to DVA customers who do not have a local office in their area. Customers may also use the DVLA‟s contact centre for advice and guidance, including the Text Phone facility for those with hearing difficulties and DVLA online services, which are AA rated for accessibility. The postal channel will also remain for a number of transactions. Although there may be a minor impact to some customers in this group, DVLA feels that the overall impact is positive due to the range of service improvements being introduced Minor Marital status The improved services will be universal and available to all NI motorists, regardless of marital status. None Sexual The improved services will be universal None FINAL v1.0 20 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 If No, provide reasons Religious belief The improved services will be available universally; therefore, there will be no real opportunities to promote greater equality within this group. Political opinion The improved services will be available universally; therefore, there will be no real opportunities to promote greater equality within this group. Racial group Some racial groups that do not wish, or are unable to transact in English will have wider access to translation services than they have today, promoting greater equality. Age Around 150 local NI Post Offices will provide a face to face service to all age groups. Their convenient locations will particularly benefit older people who in future may not have to travel as far as they currently do. This, plus the introduction of online services, will mean that there will be a wider range of services available to the elderly/less-mobile, equal to FINAL v1.0 21 other groups. For those who are not computer literate, a number of postal services will remain, ensuring the elderly are not disadvantaged. Marital status The improved services will be available universally; therefore, there will be no real opportunities to promote greater equality within this group. Sexual orientation The improved services will be available universally; therefore, there will be no real opportunities to promote greater equality within this group. Men and women generally The improved services will be available universally; therefore, there will be no real opportunities to promote greater equality within this group. Disability The convenience of improved services available to disabled people will afford equality with non-disabled people. The Post Office regularly monitor branch accessibility (getting into, and within, the branch), with grants available for sub-postmasters to improve accessibility in their branches. FINAL v1.0 22 Dependants The improved services will be available universally; therefore, there will be no real opportunities to promote greater equality within this group. 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/none Good relations category Details of policy impact Level of impact minor/major/none Religious belief This policy does not impact or improve relations between these groups. None Political opinion This policy does not impact or improve relations between these groups. None Racial group This policy does not impact or improve relations between these groups. None 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 Religious belief The improved services will be available universally; therefore, there will be no real opportunities to promote good relations within this FINAL v1.0 25 N/A All public authorities‟ equality schemes must state the authority‟s arrangements for assessing and consulting on the likely impact of policies adopted or proposed to be adopted by the authority on the promotion of equality of opportunity. The Commission recommends screening and equality impact assessment as the tools to be utilised for such assessments. Further advice on equality impact assessment may be found in a separate Commission publication: Practical Guidance on Equality Impact Assessment. Mitigation When you conclude that the likely impact is „minor‟ and an equality impact assessment is not to be conducted, you 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? If so, give the reasons to support your decision, together with the proposed changes/amendments or alternative policy. FINAL v1.0 26 The DVLA believes that the proposals offer real benefits for all customers in NI with improved and harmonised vehicle registration and licensing services resulting in a modern electronic service across the whole of the UK. Whilst there are minor impacts identified on some Section 75 categories, mitigating action will be in place to lessen the severity such as: - Post Office branches offering localised, face to face services with facilities in place to support disabled/elderly users, - improved online services offering increased availability and accessibility, - facilities such as Text Phone for those with hearing difficulties, - the choice of transacting in a number of languages, either through alternative application forms or through the availability of translation services. FINAL v1.0 27 Timetabling and prioritising Factors to be considered in timetabling and prioritising policies for equality impact assessment. If the policy 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 1-3, with 1 being the lowest priority and 3 being the highest, assess the policy in terms of its priority for equality impact assessment. Priority criterion Rating (1-3) Effect on equality of opportunity and good relations Social need Effect on people‟s daily lives Relevance to a public authority‟s functions Note: The Total Rating Score should be used to prioritise the policy in rank order with other policies screened in for equality impact assessment. Is the policy affected by timetables established by other relevant public authorities? Yes No If yes, please provide details.