Assembly asks is London a truly age-friendly city?
There are more than 2.5 million Londoners aged over 50; a million of these are over 65 and a large proportion live in poverty. Despite the perception of London as a young city, older people are our fastest growing demographic.
The London Assembly has today called on the Mayor to make real progress on becoming an age-friendly city.
Caroline Russell AM, who proposed the motion, said:
“We pride ourselves on creating a city that works for everyone, yet the stark reality is that only one in five Londoners over 60 reports feeling valued.
“This is not just disappointing – it is a clear call to action.
“I thank my Assembly colleagues, for supporting my call for the Mayor to centre the needs of older Londoners in all policy delivery.”
Hina Bokhari AM, who seconded the motion, said:
“Just one in five Londoners over 60 believe they are valued, according to Age UK research.
“As our fastest growing demographic, that must change.
“I am delighted this motion has been agreed, and that the Mayor must now take action to ensure older Londoners are part of decision and policy making across the GLA group.”
The full text of the motion is:
This Assembly notes that this month marks one year since the Mayor published ‘Towards an age-friendly London: full action plan’. The publication was part of his pledge to improve our city for older Londoners, and a requirement for cities signed up to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities, which London did in 2018.
Older people make a huge contribution to life in our city, but research has found that just one in five over the age of 60 believe that London is a place where older people are valued. And despite the perception of London as a young city, older people are our fastest growing demographic. There are more than 2.5 million Londoners aged over 50; a million of these are over 65 and a large proportion live in poverty.
This Assembly is therefore pleased to recognise the nine London boroughs that have committed to becoming more age-friendly by joining the UK Network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities.
To make real progress on becoming a truly age-friendly city, this Assembly calls on the Mayor to:
- Commission an independent assessment of the Action Plan and establish how representatives of older age groups in London can scrutinise delivery
- Link the Action Plan to policy-making across the GLA Group so it can be delivered across the functional bodies as well as by the London Partnership Board and the new missions boards,
- Promote his Action Plan in partnership with London Councils and work with them and London Boroughs to monitor progress of the objectives at a local level
- Publish regular updates on what progress he has made on his Action Plan
The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.
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Notes to editors
- The motion was agreed unanimously.
- Caroline Russell AM, who proposed the motion, is available for interview.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For more details, please contact Alison Bell in the Assembly Media Office on 07887 832 918. For out of hours media enquiries please call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the Assembly duty press officer.