What this EQHRIA is assessing
Currently the eligibility for received assisted waste collections applies to all residents who are unable to present or retrieve their bins due to age or a physical or medical condition and do not have an adult who can do this for them. No evidence is required, and applications are assessed by our waste services.
The eligibility of assisted waste collections is being changed to those who have:
- a physical or medical condition preventing them from presenting bins, and
- no support from physically able persons aged 14 or over in the household.
Medical evidence or a supporting letter from a social worker, paid carer, health worker, or housing officer will now be required, or evidence of receipt of benefits related to disability/mobility.
Evidence accepted includes but is not limited to:
- hospital/GP letters detailing condition
- NHS delivery notes for support equipment and personal receipts for purchased support equipment.
Additionally, proof of date of birth (such as a birth certificate, passport, bus pass) and proof of address (such as a utility bill, hospital/GP/dentist appointment letters) will be required.
What this EQHRIA has found
Potential impacts arising from the introduction of the policy which requires providing evidential information may affect:
- older people
- transgender people
- individuals who are pregnant and who’s mobility is affected
- people with a disability
- those who are socio-economically disadvantaged.
However, any applicant who does not meet the criteria or has difficulty in providing the required evidence will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by our waste services to mitigate for such potential impacts.
What happens next
Applicants who do not meet the criteria, or who may be affected by changes to the policy, will be considered on an individual basis to ensure equity and to prevent disadvantaging the groups mentioned above.
Any communications to residents about the policy change will be communicated in an accessible manner to ensure that all service users have equitable access to clear and comprehensive information. Clear guidance will be provided on the application form and the council website. Our waste services will offer support to ensure that all information is available in accessible formats, promoting inclusion and equal opportunity for all applicants.
GDPR compliant data storage will be set up with specific consideration given to how data is stored for individuals with the gender reassignment protected characteristic.
More information
For more information on this Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment (EQHRIA), email EQHRIA@renfrewshire.gov.uk