FOI release

housing - compliance with equality act

Case reference FOI2024/01274

Received 13 November 2024

Published 15 January 2025

Request

To whom it may concern, We are helping a charity on a pro bono basis. On behalf of our client, we would like to request the information below. Our client is gathering information on council compliance with the public sector equality duty in England and Wales, in particular with regards the 3 aims of the public sector equality duty, namely: 1. Aim 1) Eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation 2. Aim 2) Advance equality of opportunity between Disabled people and non-Disabled people 3. Aim 3) Foster good relations between Disabled people and non-Disabled people Our client aims to understand to what extent local authorities providing housing advice and homelessness support have measures in place with regard to digital exclusion disability discrimination. Our client is particularly focused on what support (if any) is provided by local authorities to people who cannot access digital services without support (this could be due to a variety of reasons e.g. Physical accessibility issues: People with physical, visual, or hearing impairments may have difficulty accessing websites; Communication difficulties: People with learning and behavioural impairments may find it hard to read, write or otherwise to communicate and be understood online ; Lack of training: Some people may not have the skills or confidence to use digital devices; Cost of equipment: The cost of equipment may be a barrier to those on a low wage or reliant on state social security). In accordance with s.149 Equality Act 2010, we request that you provide us with a copy of: 1. your most recent and your historical written compliance record; and 2. any other information you have recorded / hold about the impact of requiring Disabled people and non-Disabled people applying for housing and homeless assistance under either Part 6 or Part 7 Housing Act 1996 to complete application forms (or otherwise communicate) online. It would be really appreciated if you could please send us the above information by 27 November 2024

Response

Please see the response and documents in the attachment below.

Documents

• document.zip (22.4 MB)

This is Oxford City Council's response to a freedom of information (FOI) or environmental information regulations (EIR) request.

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