Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill Equality Impact Assessment

Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill Equality Impact Assessment


Stage 2: Data and evidence gathering, involvement and consultation

The results of evidence gathered (including framing exercise, qualitative and quantitative data and the source of that information) from the national statistics, surveys and consultations with relevant equality groups.

Characteristic[2] Evidence gathered and Strength/quality of evidence Source Data gaps identified and action taken
Age Rural areas tend to have an older population when compared to the rest of Scotland. Specifically, rural areas have a lower proportion of the population in the age range 16 to 44 but a higher proportion of people aged 45 and over. This is particularly true for the age range of 65 and over in remote rural areas.

Portfolio Assessment and Update to the Key Risks (www.gov.scot)

Rural Scotland Key Facts 2021 - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

N/A
Disability Less than half of people living in rural areas of Scotland live within a 15 minute drive time to a GP by public transport, with only around two thirds of people in rural Scotland within a 15 minute drive time by public transport to a post office. There is broadly the same level of disabled people in rural and urban areas. Disabled people tend to be more dependent on public transport so lower levels of public transport provision can have a greater impact on disabled people in rural areas.

Portfolio Assessment and Update to the Key Risks (www.gov.scot)

Rural Scotland Key Facts 2021 - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Gap at agricultural sector level
Sex There is a significant gender pay gap for women in remote rural areas (median gross annual pay for women full-time employees £27,231 compared to £32,021 for men). Portfolio Assessment and Update to the Key Risks (www.gov.scot) N/A
Pregnancy And Maternity No evidence N/A N/A
Gender reassignment There is limited reliable data on Scotland’s trans population, much less those in rural areas or agriculture sector N/A N/A
Sexual orientation The lesbian, gay, bisexual, or other (LGBO) population of Scotland is estimated at 2.6%. A higher proportion of the population identify as LGBO in urban areas than in rural. Scottish surveys core questions: 2018 analytical tables - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) Gap at agricultural sector level
Race There is little evidence of Rural Agriculture and Island (RAI) portfolio spend in this area. Spending in other portfolio areas may impact on this inequality. However, much of the damage and negative experience is likely to be linked to migration policy which is reserved to the UK Government. Seasonal workers in Scottish agriculture have also been shown to face difficulties with xenophobia and racism in previous years. Further research is underway into this topic.

Portfolio Assessment and Update to the Key Risks (www.gov.scot)

Poverty and Income Inequality in Scotland 2017-20 - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Gap at agricultural sector level
Religion or belief No evidence N/A N/A
Marriage and Civil Partnership (the Scottish Government does not require assessment against this protected characteristic unless the policy or practice relates to work, for example HR policies and practices - refer to Definitions of Protected Characteristics document for details) No evidence N/A N/A

Contact

Email: Ewen.Scott@gov.scot

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