Council and elections

What a Drug Treatment and Testing Order (DTTO) is

A Drug Treatment and Testing Order (DTTO) is an intensive community-based sentence available to the courts  

It can be imposed by court when a person’s offence is clearly linked to a drug dependency.  

The person will be required to undergo suitable treatment and is subject to regular testing.

At court, the person must agree to the DTTO being made.

This service is provided in partnership by justice social work and Renfrewshire’s Alcohol and Drugs Recovery Service.

Who can be sentenced with Drug Treatment and Testing Order (DTTO)

A DTTO is usually for people who have a serious drug problem which is linked to their offending behaviour.

The person must agree to treatment and drug testing. 

More information

If you want to find out more , contact our justice social work service by: 

What this EQHRIA has found

Our equalities impact assessment of the Renfrewshire Young Persons Guarantee highlights the additional challenges faced by groups of young people with protected characteristics such as disability, ethnicity, and age in relation to their progress towards, into, and within employment.

What happens next

We have and will continue to take action with the Renfrewshire Local Employability Partnership to address these challenges and ensure the Young Persons Guarantee offers all young people good quality training, education, volunteering and apprenticeship opportunities meeting their individual needs, regardless of their personal characteristics and circumstances.

Actions include:

• providing access to both specialist and mainstream employability support
• providing equalities training to staff
• involving young people with barriers in the design and delivery of the YPG
• doing more to monitor impact by improving access to equalities data and evidence.

More information

For more information on this Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment (EQHRIA), email EQHRIA@renfrewshire.gov.uk.

This Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment (EQHRIA) will assess the plan for how we will use our allocation of Young Persons guarantee (YPG) funding from the Scottish Government (£144k) for the period 2021 to 2023.

The key objective of this 'operational plan' is to reduce youth unemployment. 

A key priority within this is reducing inequalities of outcome for the relevant protected characteristic groups and for young people living in Renfrewshire's most deprived areas.

What this EQHRIA has found

The quantitative and qualitative data gathered shows that Our Renfrewshire will reflect the priorities and meets the needs of the diverse communities in Renfrewshire.

Our continuing public involvement and involvement with our equalities-led community groups has shown that we have considered and addressed the needs of those with protected characteristics. 

As the Community Plan covers such a wide range of priorities, further impact assessments are required to be undertaken on specific projects.

What happens next

No actions are required to remove or mitigate negative impacts, but it will be kept under review during performance monitoring, review and further public involvement. 

Opportunities to maximize positive impacts have been taken in the drafting of the plan and will continue to be taken as the key areas of activity are developed. 

The monitoring and review arrangements will take place through a number of coordinated channels, including:

• community planning community events
• community planning meetings and partner information sharing
• community planning DEAR group engagement
• through Service Improvement Plans where the equality outcomes are Council owned
• through regular review and publicly available information.

More information

For more information on this Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment (EQHRIA), email EQHRIA@renfrewshire.gov.uk.

This Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment (EQHRIA) is assessing if Renfrewshire Councils Community Plan for 2017 to 2027 has any positive or negative impacts on equality groups. 

“Our Renfrewshire” is the Community Plan for ten years (covering the period 2017 to 2027) and is also Renfrewshire’s Local Outcome Improvement Plan, as required by the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015. 

Our Renfrewshire has been developed together and will be signed up to by key public, private and third sector organisations. 

It marks a shared responsibility to work together to get things right for people in Renfrewshire, and a commitment to addressing the inequalities that exist.

What this EQHRIA has found

These traffic management measures promote road safety which have a positive impact on older people, people with disabilities, and younger people who are more at risk from serious or fatal injury as a result of a road traffic collision.

The Blue Badge and Disabled Persons' Parking Places schemes are available to qualifying individuals who require access to parking opportunities close to their home. 

What happens next

Requests from the public or Parking Wardens for amendments or additions to the restrictions proposed in this order are being monitored. 

More information

For more information on this Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment (EQHRIA), email EQHRIA@renfrewshire.gov.uk

This Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment (EQHRIA) assess the introduction of a range of waiting and loading restrictions across Renfrewshire. Changes include:

• no waiting at any time restrictions at Lounsdale Road / Lounsdale Drive
• no stopping except bus restrictions on Lounsdale Road
• no waiting at any time restrictions on Albion Street
• no stopping during specified times Monday to Friday 8:30am to 9:30am and 2:30pm to 3:30pm on Greenhill Crescent.

What this EQIA has found

The introduction of charging is considered to positively impact people living with health issues.

The introduction of charging may negatively impact: 

• people living in poverty living in properties which do not have a private parking space
• disabled people who have little choice but to own a car to travel due to public transport not being accessible to them.

What happens next

To ease the impact of charging for resident parking permits, we’ll provide:

• a scale of permit charges allowing the charge for the first vehicle, regardless of engine type, to be offered at a discount to help those who need a vehicle but find transport costs difficult to afford
• advantageous permit charges to encourage electric or hybrid car use, which could have positive health impacts through a reduction in air pollution
• disabled parking bays at no cost to Blue Badge holders who do not have their own private parking space at home
• actions in the proposed Local Transport Strategy to make public transport and active travel alternatives to the car, accessible and affordable.

More information

For more information on this Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment (EQHRIA), email EQHRIA@renfrewshire.gov.uk 

This Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment (EQHRIA) reviews a proposal to:

• introduce a charge for resident only parking permits in the area surrounding Glasgow Airport and,
• for consistency and fairness, to extend those charges to the existing resident permit scheme in Paisley town centre. 

Permit charges are linked to environmental impact, in line with RenZero policies.

The scheme will reward restricted car use and the ownership of zero emission or hybrid vehicles. 

The current limitation on how many permits a household can apply for will be removed, regardless of zone, and the same fees will apply to all resident permit schemes either currently in operation or planned for future introduction across Renfrewshire.

What this EQHRIA has found

Enhanced aesthetic conditions will benefit all residents by:

• creating a greener and cleaner environment
• improving the sense of place, which promotes positive behaviours and helps prevent low-level neighbourhood nuisances and antisocial behaviour.

Overall, no negative impacts have been identified, as this project positively enhances service delivery. 

We anticipate that this project will positively impact older residents and those with disabilities as they may find it easier to move around in well-maintained areas. Younger residents will also have safer outdoor spaces to play.

What happens next 

No further actions are required to be taken as no negative impacts have been identified.

More information

For more information on this Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment (EQHRIA), email EQHRIA@renfrewshire.gov.uk 

This Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment (EQHRIA) assesses the Estate Maintenance Project, which focuses on improving estate management services in Renfrewshire.

This focuses specifically on enhancing the grass cutting, garden maintenance and hedge trimming services for council tenants provided by Neighbourhood Services.

These initiatives are linked to recommendations from the Audit Risk and Scrutiny Board and aim to: 

• address ongoing issues related to maintenance
• address and prevent neighbour disputes by creating a greener and cleaner environment for council tenants, which promotes positive behaviours and helps ease low-level neighbourhood nuisances and antisocial behaviour
• increase community satisfaction.

What this EQHRIA has found

The Local Housing Strategy aims to positively benefit Renfrewshire’s communities. This assessment has not identified any elements that would negatively impact on people sharing protected characteristics, or people experiencing socio-economic disadvantage. 

The evidence gathered and data analysed indicates that the Renfrewshire Local Housing Strategy 2023 to 2028 will have a positive impact or neutral impact on equality and related matters. 

Positive impacts include: 

• Age: Older People - the strategy supports delivery of purpose-built housing to meet the identified housing needs of older people. It supports provision of a range of services in partnership with other departments, agencies and organisations that support independent living and help people remain in their own homes for longer.
• Age: Previously looked after Young People - the strategy recognises that the council is a Corporate Parent to young people previously looked after and accommodated by the local authority. There are measures in place to ensure that all young people are provided with support to access housing and prevent homelessness.
  People with disabilities - the strategy supports delivery of purpose-built housing across different tenures to meet housing needs of people with physical disabilities and learning disabilities.
• Sexual orientation - the strategy notes the council recognises the barriers that can be faced by members of the LGBT+ community when accessing housing services and advice.
• People living in poverty/socio-economic disadvantage - the strategy supports significant regeneration activity to deliver new warm, safe, and energy efficient homes that meet the needs of individuals and families.
• Gender - the strategy supports the delivery of a range of support measures, in partnership with other services and agencies, to address the disproportionate number of men who become homeless. This is particularly for those with complex needs arising from alcohol and substance misuse.
• Minority ethnic people – the strategy supports the delivery of actions by the council to assist refugees and asylum seekers, including families with children to settle in a safe environment. The strategy recognises the needs of Gypsy Travellers and Travelling Show People and we’ll work to meet their needs throughout the term of this Local Housing Strategy.
• Fairer Scotland Duty - the strategy aims to make a positive impact on the lives of people within Renfrewshire and its communities. Our assessment of the Local Housing Strategy recognises that it will have a positive impact on people on low incomes and material deprivation (unable to access items and activities deemed necessary for an acceptable standard of living) as a result of the development of housing in relation to local economies, through providing modern, energy efficient homes.

What happens next

As the assessment has not identified any elements that would adversely impact on people sharing protected characteristics, no changes should be made to the Local Housing Strategy 2023 to 2028.

More information

For more information on this Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment (EQHRIA), email EQHRIA@renfrewshire.gov.uk 

This Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment has been carried out alongside and informed the preparation of our Local Housing Strategy 2023 to 2028. 

The Local Housing Strategy is a key planning document that sets out Renfrewshire's strategic vision and priorities for the delivery of housing and housing related services for the period 2023 to 2028. It covers all tenures and types of accommodation.

It also sets out the Strategic Priorities we want to achieve and the range of actions the council and its partners will take to improve this over the next 5 years, fitting both national priorities and local needs.

What this EQHRIA has found

It's anticipated that the Health and Wellbeing Hub will have a positive impact on the following protected characteristics: 

• Disability - by reducing barriers to accessing social, educational and recreational activities by creating an accessible space, which includes step-free access and accessible toilet facilities. Global definitions and perspectives on mental health will also be considered to enable the tackling of stigma and shame.
• Religion and belief - by programming groups around prayer times and making private space for prayer available at the venue upon request.
• Pregnancy and maternity - through partnerships with health care professionals and providing a maternal wellbeing group.
• Sex - by providing women’s only spaces.

What happens next

As no negative impacts were identified during the EQHRIA process, no further action is required. 

Several feedback channels will continue to be monitored for any equalities considerations and the EQHRIA will be updated where necessary.

More information

For more information on this Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment (EQHRIA), email EQHRIA@renfrewshire.gov.uk 

This Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment (EQHRIA) relates to the Health and Wellbeing Hub. 

This will be the base for a tailored, culturally sensitive, responsive and trauma informed programme developed to support the overall wellbeing and resettlement of refugees in Renfrewshire.

The programme will include a range of opportunities through structured groups based on feedback from co-creation groups and identification of current gaps in meeting the needs of those who have resettled in Renfrewshire.

We'll deliver sustainable activities and events - including rolling, block and one-off - based on the needs of all service users. These will include: 

• maternal wellbeing groups
• peer support groups
• 1 to 1 befriending
• volunteer opportunities
• physical health activities
• human-rights and access based workshops
• art workshops.

What this EQHRIA has found

The impact assessment has highlighted the difference this service makes to those who may struggle to get support services due to their age, disability, or socio-economic group. 

A decision on making this service permanent must consider the potential negative equality impacts if the service was to stop.

What happens next

Should the service be stopped, we'll consider how people with long term health conditions are able to find information about available support services. 

We'll also consider how easy it is to navigate these services. 

Renfrewshire Council and Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership will review ongoing annual service user surveys to determine whether there is a change in satisfaction levels. This will include access to relevant information and advice, and the time taken for service users between identifying a non-clinical issue and benefiting from a relevant support service.

More information

For more information on this Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment (EQHRIA), email EQHRIA@renfrewshire.gov.uk 

This Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment (EQHRIA) was carried out to advise if the temporary post to provide non-clinical wellbeing support to Renfrewshire residents with Long-Term Conditions (LTCs) and their carers should be made permanent. 

Renfrewshire’s temporary LTC service supports any resident with a serious physical health condition that cannot be readily resolved, and that is having a significant negative impact on their non-clinical wellbeing. 

This includes Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), arthritis, diabetes, chronic asthma, heart disease, kidney and liver diseases, and the long-term impacts of cancer treatment.

How EQHRIA process works

Carrying out an EQHRIA involves assessing the likely (or actual) effects of policies and decisions on people in respect of:

• protected characteristics including: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex, and sexual orientation
• intersectionality (this is how multiple protected characteristics overlap to create a unique experience of disadvantage), such as considering the impacts on disabled women or black older people
• cumulative discrimination over time - not just immediate impacts but life-course impact, such as considering historic inequalities, intergenerational impacts and systemic barriers experienced repeatedly
• human rights
• socioeconomic disadvantage
• the care experienced community.

This includes looking for opportunities to promote equality and human rights that may have previously been missed or could be better used. 

Negative or adverse impacts should also be identified and removed or mitigated where possible. 

If any negative or adverse impacts amount to unlawful discrimination, they must be removed.

View our EQHRIAs 

You can see a list of individual Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessments.

More information

For more information about Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessments (EQHRIA) email EQHRIA@renfrewshire.gov.uk.

An Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment (EQHRIA) is a tool that helps us to place equality, diversity, and human rights at the heart of everything we do. 

They help us ensure that what is implemented is fit for purpose for everyone.

We have EQHRIAs because:

• it’s good practice in policy and strategy development. The process helps us to ensure that disadvantaged groups are not further disadvantaged by the policies and strategies we adopt. It also ensures that policy and strategy that is implemented is accessible
• it guarantees that councillors are properly advised of the potential effects of proposals before they take decisions that will inevitably affect people’s lives. This allows councillors to make informed decisions
• it offers opportunity for stakeholder involvement and lived experience to shape council decisions, building trust and better relationships with the local community and staff. Where we do not already have views from customers, residents and staff on the area of work, we should arrange involvement, particularly with people from the ‘protected characteristics’ equality groups
• it helps us meet our public sector equality duty, as part of complying with the Equality Act 2010. The general duty says that we must pay ‘due regard’ to eliminating discrimination, advancing equality of opportunity and fostering good relations. Our specific duty is to assess new or revised policies and practices for impact.