Appendix 3 - Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment Form
Perth and Kinross Council · 30 June 2025
Back to Licensing Committee — 30 June 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form If the ‘policy or practice’ (see definition below) you are developing or going to develop is assessed as relevant after undertaking the online screening process (the Impact and Value Assessment (IVA)) - that is, it will have either a positive or negative impact on people - you should complete an Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) using this form. This form should only be completed if you have undertaken an Impact and Value Assessment (IVA) to screen whether a full Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment is required. Complete this for all relevant policies or practices: ● ‘relevant’ means it will have an impact on people ● ‘policy or practice’ - see definition below Definition of policy or practice for the purposes of EFIA: ● The term ‘policy or practice’ covers Service delivery and Employment. This can include a policy, a plan, a strategy, a project, a service review, a function, practice or service activity or a budget option.
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2 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 Name of policy or practice Taxi Fare and Scale Review Report name: Amendments to Taxi Fare and Scale Review after Consultation Service and Division/Team Legal and Governance Services/Licensing Department Owner/Person responsible (include your name and position) Karen Engelberts Licensing Manager Impact Assessment Team (include your names and positions). This team can consist of two people or more as appropriate. Sarah Rodger Legal Manager Karen Engelberts Licensing Manager Is the policy or practice being impact assessed new or existing? Existing What are the main aims of the policy or practice? The Council is required to review the scales of fares and other charges for Taxis in the area at intervals of not more than 18 months. Who are the main target groups/beneficiaries? Taxi users. Taxi trade, including operators and drivers. What are the intended outcomes of the policy or practice? This report outlines the findings of the most recent review and asks that the Licensing Committee consider whether there be an increase in the fares, and consider alterations made to the current Scale of Taxi Fares card to allow for an additional tariff for vehicles carrying 5 or more passengers. Section 1: Policy details (see definition of ‘policy or practice’ above)
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3 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 Key questions to address in the EFIA ● Does the policy or practice evidence that it has eliminated discrimination? ● Does the policy or practice evidence that it has advanced equality of opportunity? ● Does the policy or practice evidence that it will foster good relations between groups? The Assessment should highlight areas of interest covering the following: ● positive and negative impacts across all protected characteristics ● scale of the impact: an indication of the degree of potential impact, and whether this is judged to have a High, Medium or Low impact potential ● anticipated duration of the impact if relevant ● whether there is a specific differential impact to a particular protected characteristic or characteristics ● if the impact is more wide-ranging and general in its effect ● whether any impacts identified would/could be mitigated by an amendment to the policy, practice budget decision or service reform proposal Equality protected characteristic: Age Specific characteristics Positive impact (it could benefit the group concerned) Negative impact (it could disadvantage the group concerned) and any mitigation No impact Older people (65 years and over) Given that those who are unable to drive because of age or health or disability may rely more on taxis as a form of public transport. Changes to the cost of taxis may impact on those groups more than the general population. Whilst an increase in fares may have an adverse impact Section 2: Detail the positive and/or negative impacts, or tick to indicate no impact identified
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4 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 Specific characteristics Positive impact (it could benefit the group concerned) Negative impact (it could disadvantage the group concerned) and any mitigation No impact on these groups, it is equally important to these groups that the taxi trade continues to be financial sustainable. The fees need to be set at a level which takes account of the costs of running the taxi service and providing a living income to the operators and drivers. What we have included is a 3% or 5% figure as these represent both the Consumer Price Index and reported expected inflation increases over the coming year which mitigates the potential adverse impact as far as possible. Equality protected characteristic: Disability Specific characteristics Positive impact (it could benefit the group concerned) Negative impact (it could disadvantage the group concerned) and any mitigation No impact Physical disability Given that those who are unable to drive because of age or health or disability may rely more on taxis as a form of public transport. Changes to the cost of taxis may impact on those groups more than the general population. Whilst an increase in fares may have an adverse impact on these groups, it is equally
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5 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 Specific characteristics Positive impact (it could benefit the group concerned) Negative impact (it could disadvantage the group concerned) and any mitigation No impact important to these groups that the taxi trade continues to be financial sustainable. The fees need to be set at a level which takes account of the costs of running the taxi service and providing a living income to the operators and drivers. What we have included is a 3% or 5% figure as these represent both the Consumer Price Index and reported expected inflation increases over the coming year which mitigates the potential adverse impact as far as possible. Sensory impairment Given that those who are unable to drive because of age or health or disability may rely more on taxis as a form of public transport. Changes to the cost of taxis may impact on those groups more than the general population. Whilst an increase in fares may have an adverse impact on these groups, it is equally important to these groups that the taxi trade continues to be financial sustainable. The fees need to be set at a level which takes account of the costs of running the taxi service and providing a living income to the operators and drivers. What we have
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6 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 Specific characteristics Positive impact (it could benefit the group concerned) Negative impact (it could disadvantage the group concerned) and any mitigation No impact included is a 3% or 5% figure as these represent both the Consumer Price Index and reported expected inflation increases over the coming year which mitigates the potential adverse impact as far as possible. Mental health Given that those who are unable to drive because of age or health or disability may rely more on taxis as a form of public transport. Changes to the cost of taxis may impact on those groups more than the general population. Whilst an increase in fares may have an adverse impact on these groups, it is equally important to these groups that the taxi trade continues to be financial sustainable. The fees need to be set at a level which takes account of the costs of running the taxi service and providing a living income to the operators and drivers. What we have included is a 3% or 5% figure as these represent both the Consumer Price Index and reported expected inflation increases over the coming year which mitigates the potential adverse impact as far as possible.
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7 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 Specific characteristics Positive impact (it could benefit the group concerned) Negative impact (it could disadvantage the group concerned) and any mitigation No impact Learning disability Given that those who are unable to drive because of age or health or disability may rely more on taxis as a form of public transport. Changes to the cost of taxis may impact on those groups more than the general population. Whilst an increase in fares may have an adverse impact on these groups, it is equally important to these groups that the taxi trade continues to be financial sustainable. The fees need to be set at a level which takes account of the costs of running the taxi service and providing a living income to the operators and drivers. What we have included is a 3% or 5% figure as these represent both the Consumer Price Index and reported expected inflation increases over the coming year which mitigates the potential adverse impact as far as possible. Neurodivergent conditions Given that those who are unable to drive because of age or health or disability may rely more on taxis as a form of public transport. Changes to the cost of taxis may impact on those groups more than the general population.
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8 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 Specific characteristics Positive impact (it could benefit the group concerned) Negative impact (it could disadvantage the group concerned) and any mitigation No impact Whilst an increase in fares may have an adverse impact on these groups, it is equally important to these groups that the taxi trade continues to be financial sustainable. The fees need to be set at a level which takes account of the costs of running the taxi service and providing a living income to the operators and drivers. What we have included is a 3% or 5% figure as these represent both the Consumer Price Index and reported expected inflation increases over the coming year which mitigates the potential adverse impact as far as possible. Equality protected characteristic: Gender reassignment Specific characteristics Positive impact (it could benefit the group concerned) Negative impact (it could disadvantage the group concerned) and any mitigation No impact Male transitioning to female No impact Female transitioning to Male No impact
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9 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 Equality protected characteristic: Marriage/Civil partnership Specific characteristics Positive impact (it could benefit the group concerned) Negative impact (it could disadvantage the group concerned) and any mitigation No impact Women No impact Men No impact Same sex couple (male) No impact Same sex couple (female) No impact Equality protected characteristic: Pregnancy/Maternity/Paternity Specific characteristics Positive impact (it could benefit the group concerned) Negative impact (it could disadvantage the group concerned) and any mitigation No impact Women No impact Men (paternity) No impact
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10 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 Equality protected characteristic: Race Specific characteristics Positive impact (it could benefit the group concerned) Negative impact (it could disadvantage the group concerned) and any mitigation No impact View the list of categories used in Scotland's Census No impact Equality protected characteristic: Religion/Belief Specific characteristics Positive impact (it could benefit the group concerned) Negative impact (it could disadvantage the group concerned) and any mitigation No impact View the list of categories used in Scotland's Census No impact Equality protected characteristic: Sex Specific characteristics Positive impact (it could benefit the group concerned) Negative impact (it could disadvantage the group concerned) and any mitigation No impact Female No impact Male No impact
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11 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 Equality protected characteristic: Sexual orientation Specific characteristics Positive impact (it could benefit the group concerned) Negative impact (it could disadvantage the group concerned) and any mitigation No impact Lesbian No impact Gay No impact Bisexual No impact Other sexual orientation No impact Equality protected characteristic: Socio-economic (fairness) Please refer to Appendix 2 of accompanying guidance Specific characteristics Positive impact (it could benefit the group concerned) Negative impact (it could disadvantage the group concerned) and any mitigation No impact Mixed impact. Consideration of an increase in tariff for vehicles carrying 5 or more passengers. This tariff would only apply to larger groups of people travelling in larger vehicles. The change will not apply to single passengers travelling in larger vehicles and therefore that protects those single passengers from being charged a higher tariff simply
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12 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 Specific characteristics Positive impact (it could benefit the group concerned) Negative impact (it could disadvantage the group concerned) and any mitigation No impact for occupying a larger vehicle. For any policies or practice specific to young people under the age of 16 years, a separate Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment should be undertaken – view the National Guidance.
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13 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 As a result of this equality impact assessment, please clearly describe practical actions you plan to take to: ● reduce or remove any identified negative impact ● promote any positive impact or ● gather further information/evidence Equality protected characteristic: Age Specific characteristics Action Who is responsible Date for completion Older people (65 years and over) No mitigating actions. Equality protected characteristic: Disability Specific characteristics Action Who is responsible Date for completion Physical disability No mitigating actions. Sensory impairment No mitigating actions. Mental health No mitigating actions. Learning disability No mitigating actions. Neurodivergent conditions No mitigating actions. Equality protected characteristic: Gender reassignment Specific characteristics Action Who is responsible Date for completion Male transitioning to female Section 3: Recommendations and actions
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14 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 Specific characteristics Action Who is responsible Date for completion Female transitioning to male Equality protected characteristic: Marriage/Civil partnership Specific characteristics Action Who is responsible Date for completion Women Men Same sex couple (male) Same sex couple (female) Equality protected characteristic: Pregnancy/Maternity/Paternity Specific characteristics Action Who is responsible Date for completion Women Men (paternity) Equality protected characteristic: Race Specific characteristics Action Who is responsible Date for completion View the list of categories used in Scotland's Census
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15 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 Equality protected characteristic: Religion/Belief Specific characteristics Action Who is responsible Date for completion View the list of categories used in Scotland's Census Equality protected characteristic: Sex Specific characteristics Action Who is responsible Date for completion Female Male Equality protected characteristic: Sexual orientation Specific characteristics Action Who is responsible Date for completion Lesbian Gay Bisexual Other sexual orientation
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16 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 Equality protected characteristic: Socio-economic (fairness) Please refer to Appendix 2 of accompanying guidance Specific characteristics Action Who is responsible Date for completion No mitigation action.
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17 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 You should list here the sources of information used to assess the impact of the relevant policy or practice. This can include local sources such as reports, information and data, relevant partners’ information, data and reports, other Council’s relevant information, data and reports, national information, research outcomes, data profiles and any other evidence which has led to the development of this policy. Information/evidence gained and used to shape this policy or practice List details, source and date (continue on a separate sheet if necessary – please advise if this has been done) Community consultation/engagement outcomes from individuals and organisations - this usually includes formally arranged contact with individuals, community groups, third sector and other relevant interest groups All single named Licence Holders of Operator Licences for vehicles fitted with meters were consulted. The consultation was conducted by direct mailing through email and by post. Feedback from the consultation has been incorporated into the Report to the Licensing Committee Before any new scale of fares and other charges can come into force the Council must advertise any new proposed scale in the local press to give an opportunity for public representations. The notice must also specify the date on which it is proposed that the tariff shall take effect, which must take account of the period for representations and for appeals to the Traffic Commissioner. It is therefore suggested that the proposed date of coming into effect should be approximately six weeks after the date of advertising. Section 4: Evidence
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18 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 Information/evidence gained and used to shape this policy or practice List details, source and date (continue on a separate sheet if necessary – please advise if this has been done) Employee involvement/consultation feedback (for example survey, focus groups) Research and information list main sources Officer knowledge and experience Equality monitoring data Service user feedback (including customer contact, services and complaints) Partner feedback Other - this may be information gathered in another Council area, nationally or in partner organisations which is considered to have relevance
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19 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 Consultation with key stakeholders must be undertaken throughout the EFIA process. This activity can also help to reach people not previously involved with these processes, but who will be affected by this policy or practice when it is implemented. You may wish to refer to the Council’s Consultation Guidance. The Consultation/Engagement process can also help identify or agree changes that need to be made to ensure the policy or practice will be inclusive on implementation and future practice. The Equalities Team Leader (email Equalities@pkc.gov.uk) may be able to provide advice relating to potential contact with consultees from equality protected characteristic groups via existing mechanisms such as the Community Equalities Advisory Group (CEAG) or Equalities Strategic Forum. A summary of the replies received from individuals and stakeholders consulted/involved. Include any previous feedback or complaints relating to equality and diversity issues and the policy or practice currently being assessed. Continue on a separate sheet(s) if necessary – please advise if this has been done. Equality protected characteristic: Age Specific characteristics Date Outcome of consultation/engagement (continue on a separate sheet if necessary – please advise if this has been done) Older people (65 years and over) Equality protected characteristic: Disability Specific characteristics Date Outcome of consultation/engagement (continue on a separate sheet if necessary – please advise if this has been done) Physical disability Sensory impairment Section 5: Consultation/Engagement
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20 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 Specific characteristics Date Outcome of consultation/engagement (continue on a separate sheet if necessary – please advise if this has been done) Mental health Learning disability Neurodivergent conditions Equality protected characteristic: Gender reassignment Specific characteristics Date Outcome of consultation/engagement (continue on a separate sheet if necessary – please advise if this has been done) Male transitioning to female Female transitioning to male
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21 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 Equality protected characteristic: Marriage/Civil partnership Specific characteristics Date Outcome of consultation/engagement (continue on a separate sheet if necessary – please advise if this has been done) Women Men Same sex couple (male) Same sex couple (female) Equality protected characteristic: Pregnancy/Maternity/Paternity Specific characteristics Date Outcome of consultation/engagement (continue on a separate sheet if necessary – please advise if this has been done) Women Men (paternity)
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22 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 Equality protected characteristic: Race Specific characteristics Date Outcome of consultation/engagement (continue on a separate sheet if necessary – please advise if this has been done) View the list of categories used in Scotland's Census Equality protected characteristic: Religion/Belief Specific characteristics Date Outcome of consultation/engagement (continue on a separate sheet if necessary – please advise if this has been done) View the list of categories used in Scotland's Census Equality protected characteristic: Sex Specific characteristics Date Outcome of consultation/engagement (continue on a separate sheet if necessary – please advise if this has been done) Female Male
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23 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 Equality protected characteristic: Sexual orientation Specific characteristics Date Outcome of consultation/engagement (continue on a separate sheet if necessary – please advise if this has been done) Lesbian Gay Bisexual Other sexual orientation Equality protected characteristic: Socio-economic (fairness) Please refer to Appendix 2 of accompanying guidance Specific characteristics Date Outcome of consultation/engagement (continue on a separate sheet if necessary – please advise if this has been done) Socio-economic (fairness)
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24 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 When the evidence has been considered in relation to the proposed policy, practice, project, service reform or budget option, it will be apparent what the likely impacts are. The type, scale, duration, and specificity of the likely impacts will inform the direction of the outcome of the EFIA. There are four potential outcomes as follows (highlight the one you are recommending as a result of your Impact Assessment): 1. No major change required the policy, practice, project, service reform or budget option is robust and can continue without amendment. 2. Continue the policy, practice, project, service reform or budget option. A justification is required for continuing despite the potential for adverse impact. 3. Adjust or amend the policy, practice, project, service reform or budget option. Remove barriers, make changes to better advance equality or remove or mitigate negative impact. 4. Stop, or remove the policy, practice project, service reform or budget option if adverse effects cannot be justified and cannot be mitigated. The following signatures are required: Lead Officer Responsible Signed K. Engelberts Name Karen Engelberts Date 23 June 2025 Quality Assured by Perth and Kinross Council Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment trained officer (within service) Signed S. Rodger Name Sarah Rodger Date 23 June 2025 Section 6: Outcomes Section 7: Authorising the assessment
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25 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 The completed and authorised EFIA should be added to the relevant section on the Council website. Date action completed: Ensure your committee report to accompany this policy includes information about any actions taken to reduce or remove negative impacts identified, or include any positive impacts expected when the policy is implemented. Section 8: Publishing the assessment Section 9: Committee reporting