August 2016 Screening Grid Characteristic this policy, procedure, project or service, or any proposed changes to it, affect this group less favourably than others in Kent? YES/NO If yes how? Assessment of potential impact HIGH/MEDIUM LOW/NONE UNKNOWN Provide details: a) Is internal action required? If yes what? b) Is further assessment required? If yes, why? Could this policy, procedure, project or service promote equal opportunities for this group? YES/NO - Explain how good practice can promote equal opportunities Positive Negative Internal action must be included in Action Plan If yes you must provide detail
Gender No The process for means testing claimants of allowances does not make any distinctions regarding gender and is focused only on financial resources available to the household. This is irrespective of the type of job or employment status of the claimant (self employed, sole trader, childminder etc) which may be more gender specific or stereotyped within society as particular gender roles. All claimants of allowances are tested against available household income and no distinction is drawn regarding their gender. If there is a change of circumstances, a financial review is completed to take into account any changes in household income as a result of, for example, maternity/paternity leave Gender identity No The process for means testing claimants of allowances does not make any distinctions regarding gender identity and is focused only on financial resources available to the household All claimants of allowances are means tested against available household income and no distinction is drawn regarding their gender. Race No The process for means testing claimants of allowances does not make any distinctions regarding race and is focused only on financial resources available to the household. Each child is considered in the context of their family so if they reside in a larger family due to cultural traditions/beliefs there is no difference in the financial calculation of the allowance. If they reside in a family where income is derived from sole trading or small businesses the same financial evidence is requested regardless of race and there are no excemptions due to the ethnicity of the claimant. All claimants of allowances are means tested against available household income and no distinction is drawn regarding their race.
Carer's responsibilities No Claimants have parental responsibility for the and this remains unchanged. They are responsible for meeting all the child’s basic care needs as set out in statute in addition to what was agreed within the child’s support plan at the making of the court order giving parental responsibility. All claimants of allowances are means tested against available household income and no distinction is drawn regarding their responsibilities. There is an understanding that the allowance paid by KCC is used to provide the child with additional financial resources otherwise not available to them from household disposable income.
1 Letter to all claimants outlining the changes in the eligibility criteria Philip Segurola July 2016 2. Briefing for SCS Div MT and teams to review the impementation of the changes Siobhan Hamilton January 2017 3. Consulation on proposed changes with service and public (via website) Siobhan Hamilton August 2016- September 3. Service user involvement in the review of the changes in process Siobhan Hamilton October 2017 Option 3 – Full Impact Assessment NO Monitoring and Review Action How monitored 1 Monitored by Siobhan Hamilton and Stephen Fitzgerald 2 Overview by Siobhan Hamilton, monitored by Stephen Fitzgerald and Philip Segurola 3 Monitored by Siobhan Hamilton 9. Sign Off I have noted the content of the equality impact assessment and agree the actions to mitigate the adverse impact(s) that have been identified. Senior Officer Signed: Name: Job Date: DMT Member Signed: [Signature Redacted] Name: Philip Segurola Job Director Specialist Children’s Services Date 5th August 2016 Please forward a final signed electronic copy to the Equality Team by