AQW 5199/16-21 Written question to the Minister for Communities
To ask the Minister for Communities whether an Equality Impact Assessment (i) will need to be completed; or (ii) will be completed, regarding the proposed relocation of Social Security Offices and Jobs and Benefits Offices.
Asked by Naomi Long MLA on 12 October 2016
- Answered
- Written
- Tabled
- 12 October 2016
- Answer due by
- 27 October 2016
- Answered
- 26 October 201614 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for Communities
- Priority question
- No
Answer
On 20th September 2016, the Department commenced a public consultation exercise on proposals to close a number of Social Security Offices and JobCentres. There are no proposals to relocate any Jobs & Benefits offices.
As part of the consultation exercise the Department also published an Equality Screening document which indicates that the proposals would not have a differential impact on any Section 75 categories. However, my Department will use any evidence provided in the response to the consultation to inform a further screening of the policy to determine the need for an Equality Impact Assessment.