Evictions - duties to consider delay: equality impact assessment results

Recommendations and Conclusion

We recognise that the data available does not provide a complete picture of the needs of those with protected characteristics. However this assessment has considered the needs of these groups as fully as possible.

This measure increases protection for all residential tenants who are the subject of eviction proceedings and does not introduce changes that directly or indirectly discriminate against those with protected characteristics. Overall our assessment indicates the impact of this policy measure as neutral in relation to the elimination of discrimination, advancement of equality of opportunity, and fostering good relations for those with protected characteristics.

Active consideration of whether there should be a delay to the enforcement of an eviction order or decree and provisions that explicitly highlight factors that the Tribunal and Courts may wish to take into account in relation to the impact on both tenants and landlords may be particularly beneficial for certain groups with protected characteristics including older people and children/younger people, disabled people and women when there particular circumstances are taken into account in determining whether there should be a delay to the enforcement of an eviction.

We have identified a number of areas where the differing needs of equality groups should be taken into account in implementation of the measures, for example in how the new and strengthened rights are communicated to ensure these are accessible to those with protected characteristics.

Ensuring that all tenants and landlords are aware of the new rights will be an important aspect of effective implementation of this and other measures in the Bill helping to deliver better outcomes for communities.