AQW 5199/16-21

Mrs Naomi Long
Alliance Party
East Belfast

Tabled Date: 12/10/2016
Answered On Date: 26/10/2016
Priority Written: No

Question:
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.

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.