Action plan set out to address inequality in London

A strategy to tackle social inequalities in London has been launched by the London Recovery Board to improve quality of life for citizens across the city.

The Fairer Action Plan set out by the Board, chaired by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and Chair of London Councils, Cllr Georgia Gould, lays out 14 actions to address inequality.

Leaders in London’s government, as well as figures in business, civil society, health and education sectors, trade unions and the police will work together to accomplish goals laid out.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: ‘Long-standing, socially embedded inequalities made many people’s experiences of COVID-19, and life afterwards, significantly worse. Those who were hit the hardest by the pandemic were Londoners already familiar with hardship and unequal living standards.

‘I urge as many organisations, institutions and allies from as many sectors as possible to adopt this action plan, to not only amplify work already being progressed, but to give momentum for more to happen. Working together, with a common cause, gives us a real chance to build back a better London for everyone – a safer, greener, more equal and prosperous city for all.’

The plan will tackle workplace discrimination, by ensuring everyone has fair access to jobs, promotions and training and addressing pay inequality.

Organisations and institutions will also be encouraged to become accredited London Living Wage employers, so everyone has access to basic pay rates.

London currently has the worst wealth inequality in the UK, with poorer citizens owning just 4% of total household wealth in the city, according to government data.

Communities will also be given a say in how local services are run, data collection and eligibility for services, to improve access for discriminated groups.

The Board will also work with debt organisations and charities to better financial and welfare advice for struggling households and will improve accessibility to digital services.

Additionally, more funding will be given to equality-led groups working to support Londoners facing inequality.

Co-Chair of the London Recovery Board, Cllr Georgia Gould, said: ‘London is a city filled with diversity and dynamism, but also with deep-rooted, structural inequalities that have been exacerbated by the pandemic. This action plan provides a real opportunity for positive change. Working together, we must redouble efforts to tackle those inequalities and to build a fairer, more inclusive city for all Londoners.’

Photo by Benjamin Davies