Equality Impact Assessment - Green Spaces Strategy

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Function being assessed:

Green Spaces Strategy 2008-2018

Is this a new function or a review of an existing function?

This is a new 10-year strategy for the development and upkeep of the Borough's green spaces.

What is the aim/purpose of the function?

To set out how the council will manage, maintain and develop our parks and green spaces over the next 10-15 years. It will ensure efficient use of our resources by setting out our long term goals, and will aim to provide all members of the community with an opportunity to assist in the future development of their local space, with a view to making green spaces relevant to users.

Is the function designed to meet specific needs such as the needs of minority ethnic groups, older people, disabled people etc?

We are looking to develop parks for all sectors of the community, irrespective of age, gender, sexuality, religion or disability.

As an action of the strategy we will make contact with minority and under represented groups to get them more involved in the decision making process in relation to their local green space.

We must follow certain legislation when developing our green spaces, such as:

Race Relations Amendment Act 2000

The Council has a statutory duty to promote race equality by having due regard to the need to:

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination
• Promote equality of opportunity; and
• Promote good relations between people of different racial groups

Disability Discrimination Act 2005

The Council has a statutory duty to carry out its functions with due regard to the need to:

• Promote equality of opportunity between disabled people and other people
• Eliminate discrimination that is unlawful under the Disability Discrimination Act
• Eliminate harassment of disabled people that is related to their disability
• Promote positive attitudes towards disabled people
• Encourage participation by disabled people in public life
• Take steps to meet disabled people’s needs, even if this requires more favourable treatment.

Sex Discrimination Act as amended by the Equality Act 2006

The Council has a statutory duty to give due regard to the need to:

• Eliminate unlawful sex discrimination.
• Promote equality of opportunity between women and men.

Equalities legislation also requires the Council to avoid discrimination on the basis of religion or belief and sexual orientation.

What information has been gathered on this function? (Indicate the type of information gathered e.g. statistics, consultation, other monitoring information)?

The Open Space assessment (2006) sets out the current provision and deficiency areas, for the supply and accessibility of parks and green spaces in Kingston. The production of this document is a driver for the completed Green Spaces Strategy, and we will look to address issues raised in the Open Space assessment where they fit in with the overall objectives of the Green Spaces Strategy.

Does your analysis of the information show different outcomes for different groups (higher or lower uptake/failure to access/receive a poorer or inferior service)? If yes, indicate which groups and which aspects of the policy or function contribute to inequality?

Our information does not suggest that our service adversely impact on any equalities group through discriminatory practices. However the assessment shows that some groups and individuals need and expect more from the service than is currently delivered in order for them to use the service more easily.

What action needs to be taken as a result of this Equality Impact Assessment to address any detrimental impacts or meet previously unidentified need?

As an action resulting from the Green Spaces Strategy will we look to make improvements to ensure that we provide reasonable access for disabled people.

This will include reviewing infrastructure to improve access points into and around spaces, and the provision of inclusive, accessible play equipment. This will occur as and when resources become available, and where the actions fit in with longer term implementation plans.

Actions which need to be taken as a result of this assessment are included in the attached action plan.

When will you evaluate the impact of action taken? Give review dates.

The implementation plan for delivery of the green space strategy will be constantly monitored and evaluated yearly, and progress on actions undertaken, specifically in response to this impact assessment, will also be reviewed at the same time.

Assessment completed by:

Marie-Claire Edwards

Environmental Services

January 2008