7. 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.
The consultation welcomes further evidence of any impacts on Section 75 groups.
Monitoring for negative impact in the future
Belfast City Council will 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 the draft EQIA report will be revised, taking into account comments received during the consultation, and a final EQIA report will be prepared for Belfast City Council. The results of the EQIA will be published on the council’s website and intranet and in its annual report to the Equality Commission.
- at RIBA stage 3 when a further EQIA and public consultation will be carried out as part of the process of obtained planning permission
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.
