Draft Playing Pitches and Outdoor Sports Facilities Strategy 2026-2036

Belfast City Council also has legislative obligations to meet under the Disability Discrimination Order. Questions 12 and 13 relate to these.

Consideration of Disability Duties

12. Does this proposed policy or decision provide an opportunity for the Council to better promote positive attitudes towards disabled people?

Yes. Our consultation will provide a platform for more integrated and collaborative work to engage those with disabilities and enable them to participate in sport and physical activity on a similar regular basis as able bodied residents.  Thus, promoting positive attitude changes and opportunities for adapted participation. 

13. Does this proposed policy or decision provide an opportunity to actively increase the participation by disabled people in public life? 

Yes. The strategy will provide more opportunities for participation in a range of sport and physical activities as both a participant and a coach/leader.  As highlighted in Strategic priority 1- Physical Activity and the participation journey There will be increased opportunities to facilitate active lifestyles on a daily basis through a participation pathway that will cater for all levels of ability and improve accessibility. 

14. Multiple Identities

There is no information on the potential impact of the strategy on people with multiple identities.  

We know from research that females, people across different ethnic groups, those with a disability and/or caring responsibilities, are more likely to face increased barriers to participation.  Also, the cumulative impact of other multiple sources of disadvantage (i.e. low incomes, benefit dependency, low skills levels and qualifications) can combine to create a negative impact on participation.  

However, it is not known how all these factors may combine for people with multiple identities and what (negative) impacts this may have.  It is currently envisaged that the strategy will create and enhance opportunities for people with multiple identities to participate in physical activities and sport, resulting in a positive impact.

15. Monitoring Arrangements

Section 75 places a requirement the Council to have equality monitoring arrangements in place in order to assess the impact of policies and services etc; and to help identify barriers to fair participation and to better promote equality of opportunity. 

Outline what data you will collect in the future in order to monitor the impact of this policy or decision on equality, good relations and disability duties.