Equality and Diversity

5. Equality Impact Assessments

Equality Impact Assessments (EIA's) help the council ensure that key policies and service reviews meet the needs of all sections of Stockport society.

They act as a record to demonstrate how we have had due regard to the aims of the equality duty in decision-making with regards to service provision. They are based upon evidence such as demographic data or consultation feedback.

As a local authority we have legal duties to consider issues relating to sex, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity and gender reassignment when developing policies or making important decisions. These groups are protected by legislation and are called ‘Protected Characteristics’.

As an authority we also consider socio-economic status.