5. Consideration of alternative policies and mitigating actions
Step 4 of the Equality Commission NI’s Practical Guidance on Equality Impact Assessment requires that an EQIA considers mitigating actions where a negative impact has been identified.
The evidence currently available indicates that the project has the potential to impact positively across all Section 75 equality categories.
However, the council is mindful of the need to continue to better promote equality of opportunity and good relations. It therefore plans to continue to monitor impact throughout the development of Belfast Stories and review it at least annually including:
- at the end of this public consultation period, when a EQIA final decision report will be prepared, taking into account comments received during the consultation. The results of the EQIA will be published on the council’s website and intranet and in its annual report to the Equality Commission.
- in summer/autumn 2023 when a report on this stage of the engagement process will be prepared and published on the council’s website
- in 2024 when a further equality screening will be carried out in advance of a public consultation on the concept design
- in 2025 when a further equality screening will be carried out as part of the planning permission and public consultation process
The results of monitoring will be included in Belfast City Council’s annual review on progress to the Equality Commission and in line with the council’s Equality Scheme. If the monitoring and analysis over a two-year period show a greater adverse impact than predicted or if opportunities arise which would allow for greater equality of opportunity to be promoted, Belfast City Council will take measures to achieve better outcomes for the relevant equality groups.
