Appendix G - Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment
Perth and Kinross Council · 6 October 2025
Back to Licensing Committee — 6 October 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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PKC - PUBLIC 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 PKC - PUBLIC Name of policy or practice Survey of Unmet Demand for Taxis in Perth Service and Division/Team Legal and Governance Services - Licensing Owner/Person responsible (include your name and position) Karen Engelberts, Licensing Manager Sarah Rodger, Legal Manager Impact Assessment Team (include your names and positions). This team can consist of two people or more as appropriate. As above Is the policy or practice being impact assessed new or existing? The Council is responsible for regulating taxis and taxi drivers. The Council ensures that those who operate and drive taxis are suitable to carry out that activity, from a public safety point of view. The Council can also refuse new vehicle licences if there is considered to be no unmet demand for taxis in Perth. There is an existing policy of having a limit on the number of taxis for Perth City. This is periodically reviewed, approximately every three years, to assess whether there is a significant demand for taxis which is unmet. This is done through a Survey of Unmet Demand which is commissioned from an external contractor. The Council then has to decide whether to accept those findings and if so, decide what action to take if there is a significant demand which is unmet. This assessment is being undertaken as part of the decision-making process following the most recent survey, undertaken in December 2024. That survey indicates that there is a significant unmet demand for taxis in Perth There are two main options which may be considered by Licensing Committee – increasing the current limit of 80 by 24 more licences or removing the limit completely. Leaving the limit unchanged would mean that applications for new licences can still be made and would need to be considered on a case by case basis. Officers are recommending that 24 new licences are added, although this assessment will also consider the impact of removing the limit where that may differ from the impact of adding licences. Section 1: Policy details (see definition of ‘policy or practice’ above)
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3 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 PKC - PUBLIC What are the main aims of the policy or practice? Under the legislation that governs taxi licensing, the Council can place a limit on taxi numbers if it is satisfied that this is needed to ensure the sufficiency of taxis for the public. The Council has always had a limit in place which has been adjusted upwards when needed to ensure that there are enough taxis to meet public demand. Who are the main target groups/beneficiaries? The general public who use taxis. Taxi operators and drivers also receive services from licensing in terms of the regulation of their activity as an operator or driver, but they are not users of taxi services unless as a member of the public. What are the intended outcomes of the policy or practice? To ensure that there is an adequate supply of taxis for the public.
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4 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 PKC - PUBLIC 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) Ensuring an adequate supply of taxis may have a positive impact on older people who may be less likely to have a car. The survey indicates that the impact on taxi services cannot be predicted if the number of licences is Removing the limit outright might positively impact on access to taxis, but this is unknown. It is also possible that removing the limit may reduce availability if there is insufficient work to sustain services. Once a limit is removed, it would make it more difficult to reintroduce a Section 2: Detail the positive and/or negative impacts, or tick to indicate no impact identified
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5 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 PKC - PUBLIC Specific characteristics Positive impact (it could benefit the group concerned) Negative impact (it could disadvantage the group concerned) and any mitigation No impact increased, although it is the only real option the Council has to address demand. Adding 24 licences is preferred as a first step to allow assessment of the impact and would allow steps to be taken to mitigate any adverse impact. Adding licences is therefore likely to better mitigate any adverse impact on public access to taxis. limit later, if it is found that there is a negative impact on availability. That may make it harder to mitigate any negative impact on older people. 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 Ensuring an adequate supply of taxis should have a positive impact on disabled people who may be more reliant on taxi services to meet their transport needs. The survey indicates that the impact on taxi services Removing the limit outright might positively impact on access to taxis, but this is unknown. It is also possible that removing the limit may reduce availability if there is insufficient work to sustain services. Once a limit is removed, it would make it
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6 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 PKC - PUBLIC Specific characteristics Positive impact (it could benefit the group concerned) Negative impact (it could disadvantage the group concerned) and any mitigation No impact cannot be predicted if the number of licences is increased, although it is the only real option the Council has to address demand. Adding 24 licences is preferred as a first step to allow assessment of the impact and would allow steps to be taken to mitigate any adverse impact. Adding licences is therefore likely to better mitigate any adverse impact on public access to taxis. Should the Licensing Committee decide to issue further licences, further equality impact assessment will be undertaken to inform decision making about vehicle type, such as wheelchair accessible vehicles. more difficult to reintroduce a limit later, if it is found that there is a negative impact on availability. That may make it harder to mitigate any negative impact on disabled people. Sensory impairment As above As above Mental health As above As above
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7 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 PKC - PUBLIC 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 As above As above Neurodivergent conditions As above As above 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 x Female transitioning to Male x 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 x
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8 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 PKC - PUBLIC Specific characteristics Positive impact (it could benefit the group concerned) Negative impact (it could disadvantage the group concerned) and any mitigation No impact Men x Same sex couple (male) x Same sex couple (female) x 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 x Men (paternity) x 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 x
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9 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 PKC - PUBLIC Specific characteristics Positive impact (it could benefit the group concerned) Negative impact (it could disadvantage the group concerned) and any mitigation No impact Scotland's Census 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 x 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 During the consultation it was raised that lack of availability of taxis had meant that women had to walk home alone at night. This is anecdotal information but indicates that improving the availability of taxis would have a positive impact for the public as a whole. x Male x
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10 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 PKC - PUBLIC Specific characteristics Positive impact (it could benefit the group concerned) Negative impact (it could disadvantage the group concerned) and any mitigation No impact 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 x Gay x Bisexual x Other sexual orientation x 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 Expanding access to the taxi trade may offer additional forms of employment and allow access to opportunities
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11 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 PKC - PUBLIC Specific characteristics Positive impact (it could benefit the group concerned) Negative impact (it could disadvantage the group concerned) and any mitigation No impact for those who would welcome flexible hours. 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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12 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 PKC - PUBLIC 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) Licensing Committee recommendation to address unmet demand by increasing licence numbers by 24. Sarah Rodger/Karen Engelberts 6 October 2025 Equality protected characteristic: Disability Specific characteristics Action Who is responsible Date for completion Physical disability As above Further consideration to be given to availability of wheelchair accessible vehicles and whether this should be considered as a requirements for new licences. Karen Engelberts 30 November 2025 Section 3: Recommendations and actions
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13 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 PKC - PUBLIC Specific characteristics Action Who is responsible Date for completion Sensory impairment As above Mental health As above Learning disability As above Neurodivergent conditions As above Equality protected characteristic: Gender reassignment Specific characteristics Action Who is responsible Date for completion Male transitioning to female Female transitioning to male Equality protected characteristic: Marriage/Civil partnership Specific characteristics Action Who is responsible Date for completion Women
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14 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 PKC - PUBLIC Specific characteristics Action Who is responsible Date for completion 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 Equality protected characteristic: Religion/Belief Specific characteristics Action Who is responsible Date for completion View the list of
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15 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 PKC - PUBLIC Specific characteristics Action Who is responsible Date for completion 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 PKC - PUBLIC Equality protected characteristic: Socio-economic (fairness) Please refer to Appendix 2 of accompanying guidance Specific characteristics Action Who is responsible Date for completion
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17 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 PKC - PUBLIC 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 As part of the unmet demand survey, a range of consultation and engagement takes place through surveys: public attitude survey taxi trade survey stakeholder engagement eg police, hospitality, representatives of elderly and disabled user groups Further consultation was undertaken with the public (including the taxi trade) in relation to options to address unmet demand in particular an increase in 24 licences or to remove the limit completely. Employee involvement/consultation feedback (for example survey, focus groups) Section 4: Evidence
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18 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 PKC - PUBLIC 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) Research and information list main sources Officer knowledge and experience Equality monitoring data Service user feedback (including customer contact, services and complaints) See above – the survey of unmet demand included a public attitude survey. Partner feedback
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19 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 PKC - PUBLIC 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) 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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20 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 PKC - PUBLIC 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) This is set out in the Unmet Demand Survey. 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 This is set out in the Unmet Demand Survey. This feedback will also be considered if there is an increase in licence numbers, and will inform decision making about requirements which will be placed on new licences, such as wheelchair accessible vehicles. Section 5: Consultation/Engagement
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21 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 PKC - PUBLIC Specific characteristics Date Outcome of consultation/engagement (continue on a separate sheet if necessary – please advise if this has been done) Sensory impairment As above Mental health As above Learning disability As above Neurodivergent conditions As above 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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22 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 PKC - PUBLIC Specific characteristics Date Outcome of consultation/engagement (continue on a separate sheet if necessary – please advise if this has been done) 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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23 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 PKC - PUBLIC 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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24 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 PKC - PUBLIC 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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25 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 PKC - PUBLIC 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 Sarah Rodger Name Sarah Rodger Date 22/9/25 Quality Assured by Perth and Kinross Council Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment trained officer (within service) Signed S. Rodger Name Sarah Rodger Date 22/9/25 Section 6: Outcomes Section 7: Authorising the assessment
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26 Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) Form – 2024 PKC - PUBLIC 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