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