Council could adopt AI system as a solution to equality concerns
An AI system could be adopted in Lagan Valley civic centre amid equality concerns with only one policy in five years sent for full screening.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s (LCCC) corporate committee was presented with a “five year review” of its equality scheme.
The report is now due to be submitted to the NI Equality Commission ahead of a public consultation by the council on its equality and disability action plans in 2026.
Councillor Kurtis Dickson asked: “Why has there only been one matter that has been sent for full equality screening in the last five years?
“There should be more full screening. It feels like it’s a bit of a lax or an ad hoc approach.”
The matter concerned was not identified in the chamber, however the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands it relates to the council’s corporate plan (2024-28).
Equality screening can be done to assess impact and engagement with under-represented groups including older residents, people with disabilities, migrant communities and LGBTQIA+ individuals, according to the council report.
The up to date LCCC review states that no complaints have been made relating to the local authority’s equality scheme in the last five years with no “substantive changes” required.
A council officer responded: “There could be more effective ways to do equality screening and perhaps AI could provide a solution, which could add more value and be of a lower cost.
“At the moment we can’t change our strategy and will need to review and consult on the way forward.”