Equality Scheme: 2025-2029

We are proud to introduce Torridge District Council's new Equality Scheme (2025-2029), which reaffirms our commitment to fostering an inclusive, fair and diverse community for all who live, work and visit our district. This strategy is not just a document - it is a reflection of our values and a clear roadmap for how we aim to embed equality, diversity and inclusion into every aspect of our work, both as an employer and a provider of services.

At Torridge, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances. As a council, we have a responsibility to ensure that our services, policies and decisions reflect the diverse needs of our community; in line with the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty. This strategy outlines how we will work to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and build a culture where everyone feels respected, valued and supported.

We are committed to listening and engaging with our communities, learning from their experiences, and continually improving our approach to ensure that the council represents and works for all our residents. Our staff, councillors and partner organisations will play a crucial role in making our vision a reality.

With this new strategy, we aim to build a more equitable and just future for Torridge, where every person has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the vibrancy of our district. Together, we can create a Torridge where equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do.

Councillor Ken James, Leader of the Council
Steve Hearse, Chief Executive

Equality is an act. The Equality Act of 2010 protects against and remedies discrimination. Equality relates to the idea of fairness. It means that people/groups are not treated unfairly or discriminated against due to their protected characteristics. It goes beyond treating everyone as equal, as we must take extra steps to make sure that those who are disadvantaged have the same opportunities to those who are not. This is known as Equality of Opportunity.

Diversity is a fact. We are all different. We like different things; we look and sound different; we learn in different ways; we think differently and approach problems and situations differently. Diversity refers to the way people are different from each other. It means recognising that we all come from different backgrounds and have vastly different experiences in life.

Inclusion is a choice. In the words we use, the things we decide are important, even the layout of our buildings... every day we choose whether we or not we will include others. Inclusion builds upon the idea of diversity. It is about creating an environment where everyone's ideas and opinions matter, and everyone is a valued member of the community.

The Council's Approach to Equality

Torridge District Council sets out to treat its residents, customers, councillors, employees and any other individuals/groups we interact with fairly and with respect. To succeed at this, the Council considers different people's varying needs when providing or (re)designing services. The Council recognises the importance of promoting equality of opportunity, and so always designs services in a way that meets the needs of the various individuals and groups that make up our community.

The Council will:
Ensure everyone receives a fair service.
Make public information accessible to all our customers.
Provide an environment that promotes dignity and respect.
Eliminate intimidation bullying or harassment.
Better understand the local community in order to provide improved services.
Provide equality training for its employees and Councillors.
Promote and make available this policy to all.

As a Local Authority, Torridge District Council must comply with the Public Sector Equality Duty, as detailed under the Equality Act 2010. The Act instructs public authorities to reflect on how their policies and decisions affect those with protected characteristics.

The Equality Act 2010 requires us to:(1) Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other prohibited conduct; (2) Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not; (3) Foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

Torridge District Council also has obligations to publish information which demonstrates our compliance with the Equality Act 2010 annually (such as Gender Pay Gap reports), and issue Equality Objectives (relating to the promotion of the Act) at least every four years.

The Protected Characteristics

Age
Disability
Race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin)
Religion & Belief
Marriage and Civil Partnership
Pregnancy & Maternity
Gender reassignment
Sex
Sexual orientation

The Council's Objectives

Objective 1 = Design and deliver services that meet the needs of the communities we serve. By understanding that our customers come from different backgrounds, and encouraging others to do the same, we can improve the quality of life for everyone by ensuring people who live, work and visit Torridge are treated fairly, with respect and are given the same chances and opportunities.

Objective 2 = As an employer we ensure that every possible step is taken to make certain that our staff are treated fairly and equally and that decisions in recruitment & selection, training, and promotion are based on objective criteria and that reasonable adjustments are made to meet individual needs where feasible.

Objective 3 = Where a third party provides goods, services or works on our behalf, we will ensure they have policies, procedures and practices that do not discriminate and they will deliver goods, facilities and services that are appropriate and accessible. We will monitor contracts and service agreements to ensure they meet their equality commitments.

Population

Between the 2011 Census and the 2022 Census, Torridge's population grew from around 63,800 to 68,100 an increase of 6.7%. This is marginally higher than the overall English population growth of 6.6%.

Ageing Population

Torridge has an ageing population, as with the UK as a whole. However, as Figure 1 demonstrates Torridge's population is older than the rest of our County, the wider South West region and England as a whole. Between the 2011 and 2021 Census there was an increase of 30.2% in people aged over 65 years old, this was significantly higher than the 20.1% recorded across England. Additionally, the rise in younger age categories was noticeably lower than the English average. This has a major impact on lowering the number of working age people, and as more people reach older age this puts strain on Social Care services and the NHS.
Below is a graph showing the aging population compared with Devon, the South West and England.

Source: Office for National Statistics.
 

Gender

As with the UK average, there is an almost even split of the number of men and women in Torridge - with slightly more women. In 2023, the average earnings (Gross Weekly Pay by place of work) in Torridge for men was £613.10, for women this was £516.10. Thus, as with the UK as a whole, there is an imbalance between men and women's pay. As an employer with over 250 employees, Torridge District Council is legally obliged to provide
information and data on the gender pay gap annually. This is available on the Equality and Diversity page of our website.

Below is a table showing the percentage of male and female in Torridge from the 2011 and 2021 censuses.

Ethnicity

There hasn't been a major shift in the ethnic make-up of Torridge's residents since the last Census. There has been a slight decrease in those identifying as 'White English, Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish or British'. With minor rises in people identifying as 'Asian, Asian British or Asian Welsh'; 'Mixed or multiple ethnic groups'; 'White Non-British/Other'; and 'Other ethnic groups'. Torridge is less diverse in terms of ethnicity than the English and Welsh average.

Below is a table showing the ethic groups in Torridge from the 2011 and 2021 censuses.

Religion

Since the 2011 Census, Torridge has seen a significant decline in those identifying with any religion. Whereas the population was majority Christian, in the 2021 Census we can see that is no longer the case (though it is still the largest religious grouping by a fair margin). The only group that has seen an increase in those identifying with it, is Buddhism.

Below is a table showing the percentage of residents stating their religion in the 2011 and 2021 censuses.

Disability

The age standardised proportion of residents declaring as disabled (as defined under the Equality Act 2010) in Torridge has changed relatively little between the 2011 and 2021 census, with a slight decrease in those stating their day-to-day activities are 'limited a lot', and a slight uptick in those saying that they were limited 'a little'. Torridge has a marginally higher number of disabled people than the English average: 7.6% saying that their day-to-day activities were 'limited a lot' (compared to Torridge at 7.8%), and 10.2% saying that their day-to-day activities were 'limited a little' (against 11.4% of Torridge residents).
However, it should be noted that the ONS declared that "Census 2021 was undertaken during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which may also have influenced how people perceive their health status and activity limitations and therefore may affect how people chose to respond."

Below is a table showing the percentage of residents who stated their level of disability in the 2011 and 2021 censuses.

Sexual Orientation

For the first time in the English and Welsh census, the 2021 Census collected data on how people identified their sexual orientation. As a result, there is no data to compare how our demographics have changed in the last 10 years. Compared to the English average (3.2%), there is a lower proportion of Torridge residents identifying as LGB+ at 2.16%. With a slightly higher number identifying as Straight or Heterosexual (89.9%, against the average of 89.4%), and those choosing not to answer 7.76% (compared to 7.5% of people in England and Wales).

Below is a table showing the percentage of residents who stated their sexual orientation in the 2021 census. The 2011 census did not include this question.

Gender Identity

Another new question for the 2021 Census referred to Gender Identity, asking "Is the gender you identify with the same as your sex registered at birth?". These results are roughly in line with the English and Welsh average, with a slightly lower number of those stating that their gender identity didn't match the sex they were registered at birth (the English and Welsh average being 0.5%).

Below is a table showing the percentage of residents who stated their gender identity in the 2021 census. The 2011 census did not include this question.

As part of the previous central governments 'Levelling Up Programme', Torridge was identified as one of the bottom 20 performers in four categories:

Education/Skills = only 26.2% of residents have a Level 4 or above qualification, this is significantly lower than the English average of 33.9%.

Earnings/Pay = median annual full-time gross earnings (by place of work) in Torridge is £27,212 compared to the English average of £33,197.

Productivity = Gross Value Added per filled job (£) is £34,070 in Torridge, in stark contrast to the English average of £52,286.

This meant that Torridge was invited to form a Levelling Up Partnership with the government, giving us access to a pot of £20m in funding to projects which would help boost Torridge's performance in these areas.

Additional Challenges:

Ranked 357th out of 379 Local Authority areas in terms of economic competitiveness.
41% of jobs pay under the Living Wage, and we have the 2nd lowest adult social mobility rate in England.

Travel is a key issue for residents, as they are highly reliant on private transport especially as 40% of residents commute out of the district for work. Public transport is limited, with no train lines present in the district. The average travel time to 8 key services by public transport is 36 minutes.
Brain-drain due to limited education or skill development opportunities.

As a result of the significant barriers that residents of Torridge face due to the economic difficulties described above and challenges presenting such a rural area, the Council has decided that on top of the legally defined protected characteristics (set out in the 2010 Equality Act) we will consider implications for those suffering from socio-economic disadvantage.

Housing

The average house price in Torridge across all types of properties is £285,792 (as of January 2024). This is nine times the average residential earnings.

There is currently a county-wide Housing Crisis in Devon, and this is felt particularly in our district, especially in rural wards where housing supply is further limited. There have been significant changes impacting the private rented sector reducing their supply and causing a sharp rise in rents.

The Housing Crisis has caused a substantial increase in those seeking temporary accommodation. The Councils expenditure on TA prior to the pandemic was around £200,00 per annum, between 2022/2023 this reached around £1.2m.

Low Wage Economy

Torridge as a district is one of the lowest performing in terms of average weekly earnings. The gross weekly pay for full-time workers is £619.60, compared to £663.70 for the South West, and £682.60 for the rest of the UK.

Health Inequalities

Mental Health is a particular issue for the district. Our suicide rate and emergency hospital admission rate for intentional self-harm are higher than the English average.

Despite having a higher than average percentage of physically active adults than the rest of England, 65% of residents are classified as overweight or obese (in 2021/2022). This is higher than the English average of 63.8% for the same period.

Deprivation

According to the 2021 census, Torridge is a deprived area, with 54% of households experiencing deprivation in at least one of the following areas: exam attainment, unemployment, long-term health problems, overcrowding and lack of central heating.
Deprivation is often higher in more remote areas with smaller populations and limited access to services. Torridge is an example of such an area.

Rurality

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs defines Torridge as part of its 'Rural 80' classification. This means that over 80% of the population reside in rural areas or large market towns.

This poses particular impacts on travel, as public transport is limited. The average time taken to reach key services by public transport/walking is 41 minutes, which is significantly higher than the English average.

Internet connectivity is also a significant barrier, with 85% having access to superfast broadband in Torridge, compared to an English total of 98% coverage. 9% of premises are unable to get decent broadband coverage, this is significantly higher than the English total of 0.1%.

Fuel Poverty

A household is said to be in fuel poverty if they have required domestic fuel costs that are above the national median level and, if they were to spend that amount, they would be left with a residual income below the official poverty line. 15.7% of homes in Torridge are in fuel poverty, up by 3% in the last 3 years.

Cost of Living

As a Council we have taken action to try and support our residents during the Cost of Living Crisis. We created a 'Cost of Living Help' page on our website. This site provides information on what support is available to our residents, from both local and central government. Additionally, there are links to community groups and charities who are able to give support to those struggling with rising living costs. Finally, there are a range of helpful tips and guides on a range of issues such as budgeting, debt advice, or being more energy efficient to help reduce utility bills.

We have also taken more direct action through the provision of hardship grants. Between April 2023 and January 2024, Torridge provided grants to 452 households within the district totalling over £330,000 worth of support.

Ukrainian Refugees

Torridge and North Devon Councils, in partnership with the Pickwell Foundation, have been helping Ukrainian refugees who have fled their home country. Through the Community Sponsorship programme, we have helped match sponsors offering their homes to those in need, as well as aiding movement into the private rented sector. So far, as of 2024, 33 households have been supported by the scheme.
 

Health Intervention Scheme, Active Torridge

In September 2023, the Council-owned leisure company Active Torridge was awarded funding to work in partnership with local NHS Social Prescribers to provide 100 residents with access to the Health Intervention scheme. There is a specific focus to engage with those who would currently struggle to access leisure facilities due to costs.

Victoria Park, Bideford

The rejuvenation of a play area in Bideford's Victoria Park was designed to be as inclusive as possible. It included the construction of accessible play equipment such as a wheelchair friendly roundabout. The park was opened in April 2024.

Armed Forces Covenant

On the 16th of February 2022, the Council signed and renewed the Armed Forces Covenant. This demonstrated our commitment to ensuring that those who serve or have served will be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they served.

Northam Burrows Visitor Centre

In 2023, through the North Devon Coast Area of Natural Beauty "Access for All" programme, the Council was able to extend and make improvements to the track between the raised car parking area and the visitor centre. These accessibility improvements mean that it is now easier for all people to access the sites facilities such as the museum, café, disabled toilets and changing facilities.

Additionally, as part of the work in renovating the visitor centre we were able to provide one of the few 'Changing Places' facilities in the local area. This is a scheme which provides accessible toilets and changing rooms.
 

Holsworthy Men's Shed

In September 2024, the Community & Resources Committee voted to provide a rent concession to the Holsworthy Men's Shed.
Men's Sheds are charitable organisation which aim to reduce loneliness and isolation, largely to address issues with men's mental health - though membership is open to all.

At the Men's Shed the members enjoy woodworking, metal working and have the opportunity to chat, and make new friends. The Men's Shed achieves interaction with others, making friends, and keeping active. It is a space to meet likeminded people and gives the opportunity to share skills, have a sense of purpose, and reduces the feeling of loneliness in a safe and friendly space.

Youth Investment Fund

In 2022, TDC's Community Safety Partnership was involved in promoting (as well as providing guidance for) eligible local youth organisations to apply for funding from the Youth Investment Fund - Phase 2. This funding aims to drive positive outcomes for young people, including improved mental and physical wellbeing, and skills for life and work.

Homeless & Rough Sleepers Scheme

It was announced in October 2022 that in order to combat the housing crisis taking place in Torridge, and the rest of the South West. Torridge launched a £1.5m three-party partnership with the central government and Resonance (a social impact property fund manager) to tackle the most serious aspects of the crisis, revolving around rough sleepers and households suddenly threatened with homelessness.

Resonance will use the funds to purchase and refurbish properties, which will then be managed by another of the Council's long-term partners, Encompass. Encompass will also provide 1-to-1 support to tenants, covering issues such as managing finance and supporting those with complex needs. Units will be let an affordable rate, considerably lower than commercial rates, known as the "local allowance rate".

In the fullness of time the scheme and support packages are designed to enable tenants to transition from homelessness; gaining employment or training, saving for their future, and eventually making a move to their own private accommodation. As well as the homeless the scheme may also extend to vulnerable women and individuals with learning disabilities, which have also been a priority in other schemes.

Community Safety Partnership

Working with other public bodies to consider wider issues, such as crime prevention and anti-social behaviour, working together to improve the quality of life for residents.

Council Meetings

Ensure accessibility of Council meetings and events by using venues that are accessible wherever possible. There is a hearing loop installed in Bideford Town Hall. A lift is also available making all floors accessible.

Customer Services Reception

Torridge's customer service reception at Riverbank House was designed with full accessibility and includes hearing loop facilities and disabled toilet facilities.

Communications

We take steps to make all information as accessible and as easy to read as possible and we provide alternative methods of communication when required, including large print letters, telephone calls, visits and translations.
 

Council Tax Assistance

Providing financial assistance for those in need of help towards the cost of Council Tax.
 

Affordable Housing

Assistance with applications to the 'Devon Home Choice' housing register.
 

Disabled Facilities Grants

Available to assist with the cost of improving access to, and facilities within properties (e.g. stair lifts, ramps etc.)

Car Parks

The Council provides 55 spaces in its public car parks dedicated for the use of disabled residents and visitors.
 

Accessible Toilets

Public toilets across the district include facilities for disabled users.
 

Waste & Recycling
We provide assisted collections to those unable to comply with the requirements of our kerbside collections.

Dementia Awareness
Some customer facing officers have had dementia champion training.

Pay Parity
The council monitors male/female pay differentials and the difference between the salary of the Chief Executive and the lowest grade of pay in the Council.

Taking Complaints Seriously
The Council has a robust complaints process in place to ensure that complainants are treated with courtesy and complaints are investigated fully and promptly.

Disability Awareness
Consideration is given to disabled facilities as part of the development process for new projects.

Encouraging Whistleblowers
Employees can confidentially disclose their concerns about apparent wrong doings such as fraud, malpractice, breach of any health and safety law, or any other illegal act, either on the part of management or by fellow employees. The Council seeks to protect a person's identity when they raise a concern and do not want their name to be disclosed.
 

Tackling Hate Crimes
Hate crime monitoring and regional actions are reported at the North Devon and Torridge Community Safety Partnership (CSP). As active members of the CSP, Torridge District Council has a coordinating role in raising awareness and implementing targeted actions to prevent and address hate crime.

Stopping Domestic Abuse
The Council have signed-up to GMB's Work to Stop Domestic Abuse Employment Charter. More than 270 staff are protected by the charter.
 

Westward Ho! Slipway
The slipway has been extended to improve access and to allow our Blue Flag beach to continue to be enjoyed by all. Future improvements, subject to funding from the Environment Agency, are to be incorporated into FCERM works (Flood & Coastal Erosion Risk Management) at Westward Ho! which will consider accessibility for all.

Torridge Website
Our website content follows web-accessibility standards, including access keys, screen readers and changeable font sizes. We have provided the option of using software, Reciteme , to deliver increased functions of accessibility. Our website can be translated into many different languages.
 

Equality and Information Support
Our website provides a list of information and support (both local and national) relating to the protected characteristics.

Torridge District Council seeks to provide a diverse range of support to local communities, financially and through the provision of information, advice and guidance.

Councillors are each given money through the Councillor Grants scheme, this is used to fund or donate to groups within a member's ward. In 2023/2024, the Councillor Grant for each member was £1,000. Some of the projects that were supported through the scheme are as follows:

East the Water Pantry - Food supplies for the pantry

Westward Ho! Men's Shed - Purchase of a Pillar Drill

Friends of Holsworthy Primary School - Donation to the hardship fund

Shebbear School Support Group - Tablets for school

Holsworthy Food Project CIC - Donation to Holsworthy food hub and community fridge

Northern Devon Food Bank - Christmas fund

Bickford Rest Centre - New blinds

Torri Youth Club - projects

Winkleigh Warm Space - kitchen equipment

Donations to Tarka Child Contact Centre, Memory Lane Dementia Café, Young Carers

Taw and Torridge Voluntary Services - new project carers lunches

Citizen's Advice Bureau (CAB)

In 2022, the Community & Resources Committee voted to increase the funding of Citizen's Advice to £38,000.

This local Charity provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice on all subjects to members of the local community that require it. They aim to ensure that no-one suffers through lack of knowledge of the rights, responsibilities, and services available to them, or through any inability to express their needs effectively.

Taw and Torridge Voluntary Services (TTVS)

TTVS has been representing and supporting the voluntary and community sector in Torridge since 1988 and the Council has provides a core grant of £16,900 to TTVS to help vulnerable people with day-to-day living and to help community groups start, grow and survive against a backdrop of shrinking funds. TTVS are in contact with over 380 voluntary and community groups, who can access a range of services and support as well as opportunities to meet and network with other organisations through events. Their Volunteer Centre has over 2,000 registered volunteers and can offer hundreds of
rewarding volunteering placements for individuals who want to get involved within their communities. TTVS also provides services to hundreds of carers, young carers and older people through dedicated projects.

As part of the Equality Act 2010, public authorities must comply with the Public Sector Equality Duty (the "equality duty"). The equality duty replaced the previous race, disability and gender equality duties and was developed to extend across all the protected characteristics. It consists of a general equality duty, supported by specific duties and requires public authorities to consider or think about how their policies or decisions affect people who are protected under the Equality Act.

The Equality Act (2010)

The Equality Act (2010) requires public bodies to:

Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the Act.

Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

Link to Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) Regulations 2011

The specific duties require public bodies to publish:
Information to demonstrate their compliance with the Equality Duty at least annually, and

Equality objectives (which are specific and measurable) at least every four years.

Link to Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) Regulations

We welcome comments on the Equality Scheme and these will be taken into account for future versions.

For specific information regarding equality at Torridge District Council contact: Sarah.Ayres@torridge.gov.uk

We hope the services you receive from the Council meet or exceed your needs, but we appreciate there are times when you feel unhappy with our services, or you may want to make a suggestion about how we can improve.
You can give us your feedback via:

The Council's website

Telephone 01237 428700 (Typetalk precede with 18001)

Visit our main office - Riverbank House, Bideford