Operational Policy. Title: Pets Policy. Originator: John Mycock. Operations Committee Approved Date: Date for Review: August 2017

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1 Operational Policy Title: Pets Policy Originator: John Mycock Operations Committee Approved Date: Date for Review: August Introduction Why is the policy required? 1.1 This policy outlines Magenta Living s approach to pet ownership. As a Social Landlord, Magenta Living recognises the importance of meeting residents expectations of a consistently high standard of service delivery. This policy should be considered in conjunction with Magenta Living s Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) Policy. This policy is designed to set out Magenta s approach to responsible pet ownership and is based on the document Guidelines on Pet Management for Social Housing Providers published by the Pet Advisory Committee and endorsed by the British Veterinary Association, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and the Chartered Institute of Housing. 1.2 LEGISLATION Listed below are the key Acts and regulations that have been taken into consideration in the creation of the Pets Policy and its accompanying procedure. Housing Act 1985 and 1988 Control of Dogs Order 1992 Environmental Protection Act 1990 Animal Welfare Act 2006 Dangerous Dogs Act 1989 and 1991 Dogs Act 1871 Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 Metropolitan Police Act 1839 and Town Police Clauses Act 1847 Offences Against the Person Act 1861 The above documents are available on a website delivered by the National Archives: Definition For the purpose of this policy, a Pet is defined as any domesticated or tamed animal that is kept as a companion and cared for responsibly. 2. Statement of Intent

2 What is the intended out come for both customers and Magenta Living? 2.1 AIMS & OBJECTIVES Aims: To provide a foundation for a consistent and enforceable approach to pet ownership. To provide a balance that ensures pet ownership does not infringe on the right of others to the peaceful enjoyment of their home. Objectives: To provide residents with clear guidance on pet ownership, how to apply for permission and how permission may be revoked. To provide residents with information on what type of animals are acceptable as pets and in what type of property. To provide residents with information relating to acceptable and nonacceptable behaviour. 3. Policy Detail of the actual policy. 3.1 This policy outlines Magenta Living s approach to pet ownership. This policy will be enforced through the tenancy agreement. Magenta Living recognises that keeping pets can offer significant benefits to their owners. However, irresponsible ownership can cause nuisance and affect the quality of life for other residents in an area and will not be tolerated. Tenants wishing to own a pet must apply to Magenta Living for permission in most cases. Magenta Living will not unreasonably withhold consent. 3.2 APPLICATION AND PERMISSION Permission is not required for small fish, birds or mammals which are housed in cages, bowls or tanks inside the home and do not need to be allowed outside of the property. 3.3 Permission is required for all other animals and will only be considered where a Pet Application form [Appendix A] has been completed. The Pet Application form contains a declaration that the leaflet Keeping Pets in a Magenta Living Property [Appendix B] has been read and understood. Magenta Living will deal with requests to keep pets as fairly as possible whilst considering any problems or restrictions which may exist on any estate or in any block. Permission may be granted based on the following circumstances: 3.4 Hutched animals: If the tenant has their own private garden, permission may be given for them to keep small pets in hutches such as rabbits or guinea pigs. 3.5 Cats:

3 Permission to keep a cat may only be granted to tenants housed in properties with direct access to an outside space so that the cat may be let outside on a regular basis. Permission to keep a cat will not be given in high rise or low rise flats with communal entrances. Permission for cats may be given in maisonettes and duplex flats that have their own front entrance. 3.6 Exotic Pets: An application for exotic pets such as snakes or spiders will be refused if: The pet requires a licence under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act The pet will pose a safety risk to the household or neighbours should it escape in the opinion of the housing officer. Tenants must show that they can meet the care and welfare needs of the animal, including providing a suitable environment. 3.7 Dogs: Permission to keep a dog will not be given if the tenant lives in a high rise or low rise flat with a communal entrance. Permission for dogs may be given in maisonettes and duplex flats that have their own front entrance. The only exception to the above is where the tenant has a disability and requires the use of a guide or assistance dog. Permission will not be given in any circumstances to keep any dog listed as dangerous as defined by the Dangerous Dogs Act This includes the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro. 3.8 Aviary birds kept outside: Tenants or members of their household wishing to keep an aviary within the garden or grounds of their property must submit a written application detailing: The number and type of birds they wish to keep; The type and size of construction within which the birds will be kept; Proposals for care, e.g. feeding and cleaning processes. 3.9 Permission will not be granted for racing pigeons. Permission will not be granted for show pigeons that would be exercised outside of the loft. Permission will not be granted for birds of prey. On receipt of this application, the Estate/Housing Officer will carry out a survey of neighbouring residents to ascertain whether there are any objections. The officer will make the decision about the number of neighbours who require to be surveyed in consultation with their manager, depending on the location of the proposed structure. Where an objection is received from any neighbour, permission will be denied and a letter sent advising the applicant. Magenta Living will retain the results of any survey undertaken for this purpose and will not disclose the names of any objector in the interest of minimising any neighbour dispute.

4 The tenant must also ensure that if the proposed aviary or loft meets the dimensions that would require planning permission that this is sought. If planning permission is gained, if applicable, and there are no objections received, a letter of approval will be sent to the applicant. If consent is refused, a letter will be sent to the applicant confirming the reasons for refusal Chickens, fowl and other livestock: Permission may be granted for chickens (but not cockerels) ducks and geese. Permission will not be granted for any other livestock (including micro-pigs) on Magenta Living property. Chickens or fowl will be limited by number depending on space. This is not an exhaustive list and permission for any other animal will be considered on receipt of a completed Pet Application Form Property Type / Space Magenta Living will not grant permission when a tenant does not have adequate space in their home or garden for the type of pet they are applying to keep. This is particularly important when considering an application to keep a dog Number of Pets There will be a maximum of two dogs in any one property and a maximum of two cats. The numbers of any other animals will be limited dependent on factors such as the number of other animals, space, property type, health and safety and hygiene. Too many pets in a property may cause a nuisance to neighbours or damage to the property New Tenants New Magenta Living tenants who already have a pet may be granted permission. Consent will be considered during the application process Leaseholders Any requests in respect of pet applications made by leaseholders will be subject to the same decision making process as to Magenta Living tenants IDENTIFICATION It is strongly recommended that dogs and cats are permanently identified by microchip and the identification details registered. To comply with current legislation, dogs must also wear a collar and tag WELFARE Where permission is granted, tenants are responsible for the health and welfare of their pets. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, this is called a duty of care. This requires proper day-to-day management and care of the pet. If tenants have any questions about the care of their pets they should contact their vet or a suitable accredited animal welfare organisation. Routine healthcare must include regular control of

5 parasites (fleas and worms), vaccinations and neutering where appropriate. Owners of cats are encouraged to ensure they are spayed or neutered. No pet should be left in the property when the tenant is away unless clear arrangements have been made to provide adequate care. In general, this will require the pet to be boarded elsewhere but close supervision by a neighbour may be adequate for some animals. If it is suspected that a tenant has abandoned a property, and left a pet behind, the RSPCA will be informed immediately. If any staff member has concerns over how a pet is being treated they will make a report to the RSPCA PROHIBITED ACTIVITY / ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR Under no circumstances will permission be given to breed or offer any animal for sale from a Magenta Living property. All reasonable steps must be taken to ensure dogs do not defecate in internal or external communal areas, including grassed areas of an estate. If a dog does defecate in a communal area, faeces must always be removed immediately. Dogs must always be kept on a lead when in public or communal areas. They must never be let out on their own this includes communal balconies and stairwells. If cats are allowed free access outside, then steps must be taken to ensure they do not cause nuisance to neighbours. Tenants have a duty to look after their pets responsibly and must not allow them to cause a nuisance to their neighbours, any member of their own household or any other member of the public. Tenants will also be held responsible for the behaviour of any pets brought into their homes or neighbourhoods by their visitors. If a pet is found to be causing a nuisance or annoyance, Magenta Living will manage the incident in line with its Antisocial Behaviour Policy The following are examples of incidents that will be recorded and managed as antisocial behaviour: Excessive barking or any other loud noise causing a disturbance. Dogs or any other animals being used to intimidate people. Pets causing damage to Magenta Living property beyond reasonable wear and tear. Failing to keep pets under control when Magenta staff or its contractors are present at the property. Any other behaviour considered to be causing a nuisance or annoyance Magenta Living will consider taking the following action against tenants allowing their pets to cause a nuisance: Issuing the tenant with a verbal and/or written warning. Incorporating expectations regarding the control of pets within an Acceptable Behaviour Contract. Withdrawing permission and requesting that the tenant has the pet rehomed within 14 days of notification. Reporting an incident to the Police. Taking legal action to obtain an injunction order.

6 Taking legal action to obtain a possession order as a last resort Any complaint in respect to the implementation of the policy or decision regarding permissions will be dealt with through the complaints procedure RESIDENT SUPPORT Magenta Living will make all reasonable support available to tenants to ensure they understand the policy and their responsibilities to comply with this policy. If tenants require any assistance in understanding the policy, the Housing Officer will assist them. 4. Implementation When will the policy be introduced (timeline) and how will it be delivered (training and communications)? 4.1 Magenta Living employs Housing/Neighbourhood Officers who will administer and oversee applications for pet ownership. Any ASB issues arising from the ownership of pets will be investigated by the tenancy enforcement team. Value for money will be considered before the enrolment of any additional staff resources to aid the resolution of a particular case. All resources, including staff time, management costs for dispute services and court costs will be subject to review to ensure value for money is achieved. 5. Consultation Who s views and support have been obtained prior to finalising this policy? 5.1 Written feedback regarding the policy has been obtained from the ASB focus group, the Tenant Umbrella Group and from Leaseholders and has been available online for comment. All feedback has been considered and been incorporated into the policy where appropriate. 6. Equality Analysis What was the outcome of the EA assessment? 6.1 We believe all people should be treated with dignity and respect regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion, belief or non belief, sex or sexuality or by association with someone with any of these characteristics or perception of having any of these characteristics. 6.2 Magenta Living recognises the needs of a diverse population and always acts within the scope of its own Equality and Diversity Policy, 6.3 Magenta Living will ensure that they only involve other agencies and share information with the consent of the resident concerned, unless:

7 the information is necessary for the protection of children or vulnerable adults. Magenta Living is required to by law. For example, Magenta Living cannot withhold information if being questioned by the Police during a criminal investigation. 6.4 The EA was undertaken on 11 th of November 2013 by Jane Sharpe and was rated as amber. The EA will be reviewed a year after implementation. 6.5 Results of the EA raised some reservations about the impact of the policy on customers with mental health issues or learning disabilities. The EA is attached as appendix C. 7. Monitoring Performance How will its effectiveness be measured? 7.1 Magenta Living will record data on pet ownership within its comprehensive Performance Management Framework and on the Housing system. Housing officers will have access to this information, should it be required. 8. Scheme of Delegation Who does what by when? 8.1 Responsible authority for approving this policy is the operations committee on The responsible AD for formulating this policy and ensuring its effective implementation is John Mycock. Responsible officer for formulating, reviewing and monitoring implementation of procedures is Phil Melarangi. 9. Policy Review When will it be reviewed and how often there after? 9.1 The policy will be reviewed every 3 years or earlier if deemed necessary through the performance monitoring process. 10. Amendment Log Validity check recording outcome of previous reviews. Date of revision: Record of amendments: Reason for revision:

8 APPENDIX A YOUR DETAILS: Your name: Address: Telephone number: Address where the pet or pets will be kept if different from the above address: Type of accommodation where the pet or pets would be kept: (Bedroom number and property type)

9 Details of the pet or pets you wish to keep. Pet 1. Species: Dog Cat Small Mammal Reptile Bird Other Please specify Name: Breed Colour Age Sex Neutered Microchip number M / F Y / N Pet 2. Species: Dog Cat Small Mammal Reptile Bird Other Please specify Name: Breed Colour Age Sex Neutered Microchip number M / F Y / N

10 Pet 3. Species: Dog Cat Small Mammal Reptile Bird Other Please specify Name: Breed Colour Age Sex Neutered Microchip number M / F Y / N Attach further sheets as required. (Current Tenants) Details of any pets in the property that permission has previously been given for: Species, breed, name, colour, age

11 Declaration. I confirm I have read and understand the leaflet Keeping pets in a Magenta Living property and understand my responsibilities under my tenancy/ leasehold agreement. I understand that I am fully responsible for the care, welfare and behaviour of my pets and will ensure that they do not cause any nuisance or distress to my neighbours or others. I understand that Magenta Living has the right to withdraw any permission to keep a pet and that irresponsible pet owners will not be allowed to keep pets in a Magenta Living property. Print full name: Signature: Date: If returning by post please address to: Magenta Living Partnership Building Hamilton Street Birkenhead CH41 5AA

12 APPENDIX B Keeping Pets in a Magenta Living Property. Introduction We allow you to keep pets where you have the facilities to look after them properly in most circumstances. However, irresponsible pet ownership can cause suffering to animals and nuisance to neighbours. So we must include rules to control pet ownership in the tenancy agreement. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 There are laws to make sure that if you keep a pet you care for it properly. This means making sure the pet has a suitable place to live, is given the right food to eat and is protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease. Any tenant neglecting or abusing their pet will be reported to the RSPCA. You may not keep any animal that would require a license under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act You may not keep any breed of dog banned under the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act. You may not keep birds of prey. If you think a pet is being deliberately mistreated, you should report your concerns to the RSPCA Animal Cruelty Hotline The latest tenancy agreement and pets policy includes the following: Permission: Permission is not required for small fish, birds or mammals which are housed in cages, bowls or tanks inside the home. Permission is required for all other pets. Factors we consider when you ask permission to keep a pet or pets The type of property you live in and the facilities available to you. The size of your garden or whether you have suitable open space nearby. The breed, size and number of the pets you are asking permission to keep. We will limit the number of dogs to two. We will limit the number of cats to two.

13 In flats: * Whether the number of pets you want to keep is appropriate to the size of the flat and the facilities available. (We do not grant permission to keep dogs and cats in high or low rise flats with communal entrances with the exception of guide or assistance dogs.) Keeping Dogs We do not allow dogs to be kept in low rise or high rise flats with a communal entrance. There is a limit of a maximum of two dogs in any property but space may mean permission is not granted or permission is granted for one only. We strongly encourage you to have your dog permanently identified by microchip. When outside the property, the dog must wear a collar & tag with your name and address clearly inscribed to comply with current legislation. Dogs must always be kept on a lead in communal areas, including gardens, and must not be allowed to roam in public spaces. You must keep your dog under control at all times and make sure it does not cause a nuisance or distress to others. All reasonable steps must be taken to ensure dogs do not do not defecate in communal areas, including grassed areas of an estate. All dog faeces must be cleared up immediately and disposed of hygienically. When Magenta staff or contractors are present at a property dogs should be kept under control. Ideally they will be secured in another room for the duration of the visit or whilst work is undertaken. You must not: breed or board dogs on our property; chain or tether dogs in any communal area; leave your dog alone for long periods of time. Keeping cats We only allow cats to be kept in accommodation with direct access to an outside space. Permission will not be granted for cats in properties with a communal entrance. There is a limit of a maximum of two cats in any property but space may mean permission is not granted or permission is granted for one only. We encourage you to have your cat permanently identified by microchip. We strongly encourage you to neuter your cats. You must take reasonable steps to prevent your cat from causing nuisance. Some existing customers, who live in properties with a communal entrance, may have previously been given permission to have a cats or dogs. In this situation Magenta Living will allow the pets to remain for the duration of the pets life on the provision the pet in question is not a cause of nuisance or annoyance for anybody living in the vicinity.

14 Keeping small mammals In the case of very small animals such as rats, mice, gerbils and hamsters, you must limit them to manageable numbers, and make sure they are suitable for their living conditions. In the case of rabbits and guinea pigs, you should normally keep them outside the home. You must have access to an outside space where you can put a secure exercise run away from prolonged direct sunlight and safe from predators. You must avoid letting your pets breed by keeping same-sex or neutered animals. You must keep their home free from excess droppings. Keeping caged birds You can keep small caged birds in the home provided their cage is large enough to allow them to spread their wings fully in any direction and they have enough space to perch. Ideally you should also let them exercise outside the cage, provided they can t escape. You must keep their home free from excess droppings. Keeping aviary birds outside You must write in requesting permission and outline how you will prevent potential nuisance to people living nearby, for example early morning noise, or rodent infestation. You must also outline the details of the proposed structure with dimensions and enquire as to planning permission if this necessary. Your neighbours will be surveyed and any objection to the aviary will result in permission being denied. Permission will not be granted for racing pigeons or show pigeons that require exercising outside of the loft. Keeping reptiles and spiders We don t encourage you to keep these types of animal in a Magenta Living property because they need specialised care and living conditions. If you wish to keep a reptile or spider in the home you must show that you know how to meet the care and welfare needs of the animal, including providing a suitable environment. Any animal that would require a license under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 is not permitted. Permission will not be granted if, in the opinion of the housing officer, the pet will pose a safety risk to the household or neighbours should it escape. Keeping chickens or other fowl and other livestock We will consider applications in respect of chickens, ducks and geese but no other livestock. Permission will not be granted for micropigs. We will limit the number of chickens or fowl you keep. You must not keep cockerels on Magenta Living property.

15 Nuisance and enforcement. Nuisance in relation to pets will be addressed in line with the anti social behaviour procedure. Straying and fouling If you allow your pet or pets to roam and stray unattended, or allow them to foul and do not immediately remove and dispose of the mess you will be advised that improvements must be made. If improvements are not made you may have to rehome the pet. If the pet is not re-homed we may pursue an Injunction to prevent you from having a pet or you may face possession proceedings to end your tenancy. Excessive noise If pets, in particular dogs, cause noise nuisance by barking, howling or scratching, then you must take all reasonable steps to reduce this. You can get help and advice from a vet, dog warden or other appropriate expert. If the problem persists, we will take action for breach of the tenancy agreement and you may have to re-home the pet. If the pet is not re-homed we may pursue an Injunction to prevent you from having a pet or you may face possession proceedings to end your tenancy. Flea and vermin infestation All tenants must keep their home clean and tidy so as not to cause a nuisance or endanger health. If you fail to keep your home clean, tidy and free from animal mess, fleas or vermin, you must rectify this immediately and seek any help you need. However, if the problem persists, we will take action for breach of the tenancy agreement and you may have to re-home your pet. If the pet is not re-homed we may pursue an Injunction to prevent you from having a pet or you may face possession proceedings to end your tenancy. Other activities that breach the tenancy agreement include: Allowing pets to wander unattended in communal areas, landings and walkways; Failing to keep pets under control in the property when Magenta living employees or contractors are present at the property. Tenants will also be held responsible for the behaviour of any pets brought into their homes or neighbourhoods by their visitors. All tenants who choose to keep pets take full responsibility for their care, welfare and behaviour. You are responsible for ensuring your pet does not cause nuisance to others or break the terms of your tenancy agreement or any other legislation. Anyone who knowingly does not look after their pet properly is committing a criminal offence (The Animal Welfare Act 2006).

16 APPENDIX C Wirral Partnership Homes Equality Analysis Stage 1 Initial Screening Checklist General information 1. Name/s of policy/strategy/service. Pet Policy 2. Policy Owner: Clare Moore 3. Lead Officer Phil Melarangi 4. Date of screening: 11 November Who was involved in screening Residents: Allan Dollery, Carol Wood, Donovan Warner, Elaine Higginson, Glen Wood, Grace Agnew, Jan Gilber, June Foster, Mike Harper, Muriel Wilkinson, Richie McFerran, Robert Clough, Ron Howarth Stakeholders: Staff: Phil Melarangi, Marj Cooper, Emma Quail, John Devlin, Jane Sharpe, 6. Is this a proposed or existing policy? Proposed Aims of policy and monitoring arrangements 7. What are the overall aim/s or purpose of the policy? 8. Who is intended to benefit from the policy? 9 Are any other Sections involved in the delivery of the policy? 10. Are any partner agencies involved in the delivery of the policy? Aims: foundation for a consistent and enforceable approach to pet ownership. To provide a balance that ensures pet ownership does not infringe on the right of others to the peaceful enjoyment of their home. Objectives: To provide residents with clear guidance on pet ownership, how to apply for permission and how permission may be revoked. type of animals are acceptable as pets and in what type of property. To provide residents with information relating to acceptable and non-acceptable behaviour. All residents living in or adjacent to a Magenta Living property Neighbourhood management, Environmental Services, New Homes, Income Teams, tenancy Enforcement Team RSPCA, Police 11. Do/Will you monitor the policy X Complaints Eligibility criteria

17 in relation to any of the following? (mark with X) PIs User satisfaction Service uptake X Other Groups...(other could include case studies) 12. If you answered yes to any of the Age Disability Above, do you collect this data Gender Reassignment Broken down by any of the Marriage & Civil Partnership Following? Pregnancy & Maternity (mark with X) Race or Ethnicity Religion/belief/non belief Sex Sexuality Other 13. Has any related consultation with service users taken place on the policy within the last two years? Umbrella group were asked for their opinions, posted on website inviting comments and easeholders were written to about the policy. Summary of Findings 14. Does the evidence considered above indicate that the policy affects any groups differently, or that needs may be unmet? Yes /No If relevant, state whether this is positive or negative WPH known Profile At Feb Age Older people (55+) Potential 29% (7181) Younger people (16-25) and children No 35% (8736) 16. Disability Mobility Potential 8.3% (2041) Sensory 2% (498) Learning Potential 0.6% (152) Mental health Potential 1.1% (278) Gender Female No 54% (13,192) Male 46% (11,362) Gender identity Less than 1% 18. Race White No 96.33% (21,636) Dual heritage 0.5% (129) Asian or Asian British Black or Black British Chinese or other ethnic group 0.31% (77) 0.38% (93) 0.17% (43) Issue / evidence

18 Gypsies and 0.025% (6) Travellers Irish 0.6% (145) White other 0.78% (194) 19. Religion & Belief Faith Groups - Agnostic 0.04% (9) Atheist 0.04% (9) Buddhist 0.13% (33) Christian 49% (12,083) Hindu 0.01% (3) Jewish 0.02% (5) Pagan 0.02% (5) Muslim 0.17% (42) Sikh 0.004% (1) No religion or belief 11.5% (2,843) Not answered 9% (2,302) Not collected yet 8% (1,942) Other religion or belief 1.32% (331) 20. Sexuality Lesbians 0.13% (33) Gay men 0.21% (51) Bisexuals 0.14% (35) Conclusions 21. Is the Statutory Codes of Practice on Racial & Disability Equality in Housing relevant? 22. Has CRE good practice been incorporated into the policy? Yes Section G tenancy and housing management Yes 23. If the policy affects any group differently, can this be legally justified? 24. Does the policy miss any opportunities to promote equality or good inter-group relations? 25. Is there a need to gather more information than is currently available to assess the impact of the policy? 26. Consider objective justification which if challenged in court means that there is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim. Legitimate aims can often be outcomes that are socially positive, or generally in the public interest. Business needs and Na No Detail objective justification : Examples of legitimate aims include: ensuring that services and benefits are targeted at those who most need them; the fair exercise of powers; ensuring the health and safety of those using the service provider s service or others, provided risks

19 efficiency could be a legitimate aim but would normally need to have wider social factors too. For an approach to be proportionate we must show if challenged that there is no fairer way of achieving a desired outcome or legitimate aim. We may also need to show our policy or practice is appropriate, necessary to achieve the legitimate aim and that it brings benefits that outweigh any downsides. Outcomes 27. Is it possible to easily modify this policy to address any issues highlighted above? Please give details of how and when this could be implemented. 28. Based on your answers to the questions above, what is the relative priority of this policy for full analysis? are clearly specified; preventing fraud or other forms of abuse or inappropriate use of services provided by the service provider; and ensuring the wellbeing or dignity of those using the service. Training issue to apply pet policy within the existing tenancy agreement for New Homes Team during sign up for flats. Green X Amber Red *Green priority policies, procedures, strategies and service do not have to under-go full analysis. 1. Could the policy have an adverse impact on a particular group or groups. 2. Could the policy damage relations between different groups. 3. Could the policy be an opportunity to meet certain needs or provide a greater equality of opportunity or treatment, or improve relations between different groups. If answer to all above is NO, the policy has no clear implications re equality and the impact assessment process is GREEN. The process would end at this point Amber priorities might be policies, procedures, strategies where no information was available to make an informed judgement, and the reviewer was not confident in stating that to their knowledge, there was no negative impact. Red priorities would be where actual or potential differential access or high levels of complaints have been identified amongst a number of equality strands.

20 29. If you identify this policy It is a major policy, procedure, as an amber or red priority, why strategy, in terms of its scale or was this? significance for WPH s activities. 30. Please indicate the date a full assessment is proposed to commence: Additional comments High relevance to equality, equal opportunities or good inter-group relations / likely to have a significant impact on people from diverse groups. Possible/actual negative impact Identified. If you have any additional comments to make, please include here: Insufficient information/evidence to make a judgement. Other Initial Screening outcome: Green Amber Red This policy is rated as : X Green: No further action required until next policy review date Amber: Detailed and timescales of action to be undertaken Red: Timescales for full R&EA requires immediate strategy/policy review What actions do you intend to take to address the issues arising from this Screening. Monitoring/review plan/owner (for a Green policy) Full Review & Assessment (for a Red or Amber policy) Actions: Review the profile of households where this policy is applied to identify if there are inequalities. Timescale: I year after implementation Responsibility for Actions; Clare Moore Initial Screening completed by: Print Name Signed Phil Melarangi Date 11/11/2013 Contact Telephone No Head of Compliance Diversity & Preventions Comments: Some reservations were raised about the

21 impact of this policy on people with mental health and learning disabilities issues, two legal cases on pets have stated other legislation e.g head leases have taken precedence. Date: 12/12/2013