Strategic Assessment
Equality and Human Rights Assessment, Compulsory Purchase Order
Watford Borough Council
Background
Watford Business Park was built in the 1960’s and contains mainly older buildings of poor quality and low economic value. The Business Park was underperforming both in terms of employment opportunities and financial returns, and many of the long leases were at a length which discourages further investment by the leaseholders.
Redevelopment would involve a Compulsory Purchase Order, and Watford Borough Council commissioned us to prepare the accompanying Equality and Human Rights Assessment and advise on a relocation strategy.
Approach
A forced relocation of a person’s place of business and/or employment is rarely welcome, so this equality impact assessment focused on gathering evidence about the needs of protected groups, and considering ways to minimise disruption. We also advised our client on a strategy to maximise the potential for this redevelopment to positively affect people in the community.
Process
A legislative review was produced considering the implications of the Public Sector Equality Duty, Human Rights Act 1998 and the Crichel Down Rules. This review informed practice. Equality evidence regarding the local population and employment data was gathered. Each Owner/Occupier was asked to complete a survey capturing their particular needs, and site visits enabled interviews to inform the development of a strategy.