Equality considerations
Protected characteristics
As part of our budget-setting process, we need to consider how the proposed changes could affect people differently, because of their background or other circumstances, for example people in our more deprived communities.
We have a legal duty under the Equality Act 2010 to consider the impacts of our proposals on individuals based on the following criteria: age, gender reassignment, being married or in a civil partnership, being pregnant or on maternity leave, Disability, race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation – these are called ‘protected characteristics’.
We recognise that increases to Council Tax and the Social Care Precept can have a greater impact on certain groups, including low-income households, Disabled people, people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds, women (particularly single parents), and older residents on fixed incomes, who may feel the effects of financial pressure more acutely. This could potentially widen existing inequalities, especially for those already facing financial challenges or relying on vital services. However, it is essential to balance this with the need to ensure sufficient funding for the services that support those with the greatest need.
There is a question in the survey which will ask you if the proposals would have a different impact on you because of your protected characteristics. We have also described below how the council provides help for low-income households to pay their Council Tax bills.
We will publish full equality impact assessments to Strategy and Resources Policy Committee on 20 January 2025, prior to their recommendation of the budget to Full Council for a final decision.
This means decision makers will have the information necessary to ensure they can have due regard to the Public Sector Equality Duty, particularly in relation to any likely disproportionate or negative impact, and potential mitigations, for citizens, service users and employees on the basis of their protected and other relevant characteristics.
We will also provide a cumulative equalities impact assessment to look at the potential combined equality impacts of all the proposed savings and key budget decisions taken together, to identify any particular compound issues or disparities, and what we can do to mitigate them. This will include consideration of any potential impacts for our workforce as well as service users and citizens.
Help for low-income households to meet their Council Tax bills
Council Tax Reduction Scheme
Since 2013, councils have designed their own Council Tax Reduction (CTR) schemes. Bristol has been among only a small number of authorities to retain a fully funded CTR scheme for those that need financial support. See www.bristol.gov.uk/counciltaxreduction(External link) for further information.
Other support funds
During the current financial year (2024/25), we’ve supported low-income households and those in need through a number of further support funds which include the Local Crisis Prevention Fund (LCPF) and the Household Support Fund (HSF).