Guidelines for Local Authorities in the Preparation of Corporate Plans
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New guidelines have been introduced for Local Authorities in the preparation of their Corporate Plans for 2019-2024. Under the new guidelines, Local Authorities now need to address accessibility in their Corporate Plans.
In terms of accessibility, the guidelines have the following key recommendations:
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Local Authorities should now ensure that their corporate plans are in line with their statutory obligations under Section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (IHREC 2014). Under this act, Local Authorities must eliminate discrimination, protect human rights and promote equality of opportunity (Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty). Under Section 42(2)(a) of the IHREC Act 2014, Local Authorities must now set out an assessment of any human rights and equality issues it believes to be relevant to its purpose and functions. Following this, Local Authorities must detail any current or proposed policies, plans and actions to address those issues within its corporate plan. Implementing the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty (March 2019) is a guidance published by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission which provides the key steps Local Authorities can undertake to comply with their statutory obligation under Section 42 of the IHREC Act 2014.
- Under the Transforming Lives programme, it is government policy to provide support for people with disabilities so they can live ordinary lives in ordinary places in the mainstream community. The government has ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, committing Ireland to provide accessible environments (Article 9); to support people with disabilities to live in the community (Article 19); and to support their participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport (Article 30). Local authorities have a key role to play in delivering on each Article.
Section 42(2) of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 requires that public bodies report on developments and achievements on the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty in a manner that is accessible to the public. This includes setting out in its strategic plan why specific issues need to be addressed and reporting in its annual report how issues have been addressed, or plan to be addressed, and outcomes as a result.
In Appendix 2 – “Suggested Non-Exhaustive List of Baseline Data”, the Guidelines refer specifically to Housing where one of their Performance Goals is to deliver sufficient and appropriate housing for disabled persons. Achieving targets for the provision of suitable housing for people with disabilities nationally is included in the measurement methodology.
For further information on The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 click here.
If you need further information on the Guidelines for Local Authorities in the preparation of Corporate Plans for 2019-2024, please do not hesitate to contact one of our team on (01) 415 12 85 or e-mail [email protected].
