Much has been said of the impact of COVID-19 on the young. But older Londoners were hit hardest by the health impact of the pandemic.
The London Assembly has today called on the Mayor to continue to support older people and ensure they are considered when developing programmes aimed at London’s Recovery from COVID.
Len Duvall AM, who proposed the motion said:
“Older Londoners have been hit hard by this pandemic, and for many families in the capital, the grief of losing elderly relatives to COVID-19 is still very raw.
It’s important to remember that whilst we are now seeing the majority of older Londoners gaining a level of protection through the vaccine, they remain very vulnerable to the long-term economic impacts of the pandemic.
It has been concerning to see how the COVID-19 outbreak has worsened pensioner poverty and social isolation. City Hall has taken a range of measures to help older Londoners through this time of crisis, by supporting community outreach programmes and protecting travel concessions for those aged 60-65.
We now need to see the Mayor continue in this vein and ensure the voice of older Londoners is clearly represented in his wider plans for London’s economic recovery”.
The full text of the motion is:
“This Assembly is committed to play our part in making London one of the world’s most age friendly cities. In our pursuit of this aim we will champion the causes of older Londoners, celebrate the contribution of older Londoners and stand up against ageism.
We welcome the action taken by the Mayor in considering the needs of older Londoners, including increasing the number of step-free stations to over 200, protecting 60-65 travel concessions and supporting voluntary organisations which aim to reduce social isolation during the pandemic.
Older Londoners were hit hardest by the health impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. And while the economic impacts of Covid-19 are disproportionally impacting young Londoners, there is also growing evidence that older people are at an increased risk.
The Assembly notes the work already undertaken through the Recovery Board in areas including healthy food, digital access and a robust safety net.
We call on the Mayor to continue to support older people and ensure they are considered when developing programmes aimed at London’s Recovery from Covid-19.”
Notes to editors
- Watch the full webcast.
- The motion was agreed unanimously
- Len Duvall AM who proposed the motion, is available for interviews.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Alison Bell on 020 7983 4228. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer.