How to Create A Rural Needs Impact Assessment summary / Annual Return
Public Authorities listed in the Schedule to the Rural Needs Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 have a statutory duty under Section 1(1) of the Act to have due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising policies, strategies and plans, and when designing and delivering public services. A Rural Needs Impact Assessment is a step by step process aimed at helping public authorities to ensure that the due regard duty imposed under Section 1(1) of the Act is fulfilled.
Before you start
- Section 3 of the Rural Needs Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 places a statutory duty on public authorities to compile information on how they have exercised their functions under Section 1, to include this information in their annual report, and to submit it to DAERA.
- You'll need to prove your identity using GOV.UK's Government Gateway or Northern Ireland Identity Assurance (NIDA) provided by nidirect. If you do not have current credentials from either of the identity providers then you will be asked to create credentials.
- Your public sector organisation must have registered you for an account with DAERA.
Additional information
Get help with your assessment
Each Public Authority has an appointed Rural Needs Coordinator who may provide guidance, advice and information in relation to the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016.
Additionally, Rural Legislation Advisory Branch (RLAB) within DAERA supports Public Authorities in fulfilling their duties under the Act.