Impact Assessments

Local authorities will be aware of their public sector equality duty to:

  • Eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation
  • Advance equality of opportunity
  • Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

The statutory duty requires consideration of the protected characteristics:

  • Age
  • Disability
  • Sex
  • Pregnancy and Maternity
  • Gender reassignment
  • Sexual orientation
  • Race
  • Religion and Belief
  • Marriage and Civil Partnership (with regard to eliminating unlawful discrimination in employment).

To support Scottish public authorities in meeting their equality duties, the Equality and Human Rights Commission has produced technical guidance on the Public Sector Equality Duty in Scotland and a range of non-statutory guidance, including on equality outcomes, evidence, and making fair financial decisions. Local authorities are encouraged to consider this guidance on how public authorities can fulfil their duty and to use latest and accurate equalities data and research to help inform LTS outcomes.

Local authorities are expected to demonstrate how findings from an Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) have translated into objectives and outcomes in the LTS, with an active intention to look for opportunities to promote equality. As part of their EqIA process, local authorities should consider the impacts on children’s rights and wellbeing and guidance on the preparation of a Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment is available on the Scottish Government website.

The statutory requirement for a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is likely to apply to all local transport strategies. While local authorities are likely to be familiar with the requirements and guidance on undertaking an SEA, the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) provides more detailed guidance on its application to transport.

Local authorities should give due consideration to the Fairer Scotland Duty which came into force in April 2018. This duty places a responsibility on the public sector to reduce inequalities of outcome, caused by socio-economic disadvantage, when making strategic decisions. Guidance for public bodies on the Fairer Scotland Duty is available on the Scottish Government website. 

Additionally, local authorities are encouraged to work with their local NHS Board public health department in developing the LTS and to complete further assessments such as a Health Impact Assessment to identify potential impacts on populations and health determinants likely to be affected by the development of the LTS.

An Island Community Impact Assessment is a legal duty in Scotland to test any new policy, strategy or service which is likely to have an effect on an island community and would therefore be required if applicable.