Overview of aims and objectives
Dorset Council already has in place an agreed policy for the Recycle for Dorset service. Three changes to that policy are being proposed.
Firstly, there are a small number of properties, commonly in rural locations, where the existing collection point is far from the highway - this is particularly in cases where there are long unadopted private driveways. The current policy states that:
‘Where a household is on a private street (which includes standard and narrow access) and council collection vehicles have historically accessed this road, the Dorset Waste Partnership (DWP) will endeavour to continue to do so’.
This currently means that we have situations whereby the crews are travelling down long, often private driveways to collect from one property because ‘they have always done so’ and will continue having to do so even when occupants change. This is committing the service to additional and often unnecessary activity which is operationally and economically inefficient.
As such the policy is being revised to provide clarity around these situations and confirm that there are some circumstances where the Operations Manager can stipulate an alternative collection point that is on or near to the public highway.
The other two changes relate to second homes and Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs). The revised policy now clarifies the service provided to second homes, making it clear that second homeowners receive the same standard of service as all Dorset residents and cannot be renegotiated to coincide with occupancy.
Finally the policy now makes explicit the situation regarding HMOs. This doesn’t reflect any change in current policy, it is simply including the position which was omitted from the initial version.
Evidence gathering and engagement
Data, information, evidence and research used and how it has influenced the decision-making process
Primarily service data and discussions with operational supervisors and managers
Parts of Dorset are very rural and inaccessible. The change in policy will impact a very small number of households across Dorset. Changes will be made on a case by case basis and will be referred to the Head of Operations if an appeal is made by a resident.
Engagement or consultation that has taken place as part of this EqIA
Operational supervisors and managers
Assessment
Impacts of the strategy
|
Impacts on who or what? |
Effect |
Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Age |
Neutral |
Some older residents may find moving wheeled bins or carrying boxes difficult. However, reasonable adjustments will be discussed with any older residents affected, including alternative collection points, alternative services and different containers that will make it possible for them to manage their waste themselves. The wording of the proposed change also gives discretion to the service to continue the historic arrangements where suitable alternatives cannot be found. |
|
Disability |
Neutral |
Although there is the potential for this change to adversely impact residents with a physical disability, all alternatives will be explored with the residents before their service is affected, and the proposed change in wording gives discretion to operational managers where they are satisfied alternative arrangements aren’t available. |
|
Gender reassignment and Gender Identity Marriage or civil partnership Pregnancy and maternity Race and Ethnicity Religion and belief Sex (consider men and women) Sexual orientation Rural isolation Socio-economic deprivation Armed forces communities
|
Neutral |
n/a |
Key to effects or impacts
Positive - the proposal eliminates discrimination, advances equality of opportunity and/or fosters good relations with protected groups.
Negative - protected characteristic group(s) could be disadvantaged or discriminated against
Neutral - no change/ no assessed significant impact of protected characteristic groups
Negative - protected characteristic group(s) could be disadvantaged or discriminated against
Action plan
|
Issue |
Action to be taken |
Person(s) responsible |
Date to be completed by |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Difficulty making decisions regarding services |
Head of Operations to develop guidelines for managers and supervisors. Process for appeals to the Head of Operations will be agreed. |
Mike Moon |
n/a |
Who has agreed this EqIA
Officer completing this EqIA: Gemma Clinton
Officers involved in completing the EqIA:
Louise Bryant – Service Development Manager
Lisa Mounty – Service Development Manager
Sarah Wasey – Business Development Officer
Becky Forrester -Business Partner
Date of completion:
Version Number: 2
EqIA review date: 29 September 2021
Equality Lead Sign Off: Becky Forrester