We would like to request the information below.
[...] 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
[...] 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. [...] 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 behavioral 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.