Circular economy and waste route map to 2030: equality impact assessment

Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) Results Scotland’s Circular Economy and Waste Route Map to 2030.


The Scope of the EQIA

43. A framing exercise was carried out prior to the first consultation (2022) process to determine whether an EQIA was required, and to identify relevant areas for investigation.

44. Zero Waste Scotland made an initial assessment of potential impacts on those with protected characteristics, and this was used as the basis of a workshop session with Scottish Government colleagues. The Scottish Government’s EQIA Mainstreaming Team were also consulted.

45. The exercise identified a limited number of potential impacts and so a proportional desk-based approach was taken to source existing data and evidence. The initial framing exercise findings were revisited and updated to take into account responses received during the first consultation, and again during the second consultation. A further analysis has also been undertaken after the second consultation to highlight where future outputs resulting from the publication of the final CEWRM may result in impacts to protected characteristic groups.

46. It is important to note that the protected characteristics considered within this final EQIA are not independent of each other. Some people may have to deal with complex and interconnected issues.

47. Summary of activities:

  • Framing exercise: Zero Waste Scotland and Scottish Government discussion, as noted above.
  • Discussions with relevant directorates across Scottish Government and external organisations where appropriate.
  • Evidence-gathering: quantitative and qualitative data and evidence were sourced, including evidence from other relevant policy impact assessments.

48. It remains the determination that the publication of the CEWRM itself will not have a direct impact on those with protected characteristics. However, it has been identified through the EQIA and consultation processes that, depending on the design of a number of the interventions, individual interventions may impact on protected characteristic groups.

49. Specifically, it has been assessed that a number of the interventions may have both positive and negative impacts on the following protected characteristics: disability, age, race, sex and pregnancy and maternity.

50. Other factors investigated in relation to the additional protected characteristics do not appear, at this stage, to raise significant equality-related issues. This may be due to a lack of available published information and the individual circumstances of those impacted. Direct engagement with equality groups and individuals may identify further impacts as and when individual actions are taken forwards.

51. Further detailed EQIAs will be carried out, as appropriate, as specific interventions are being progressed. This will allow for more detailed consideration of any issues specific to that intervention, and for recommendations to be made on any amendments or mitigating measures needed.

Contact

Email: CERouteMap@gov.scot

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