Lambeth has surged ahead in so many ways in recent years: our population is growing, employment is rising and our schoolchildren continue to achieve record-breaking exam results. The enormous investment pouring into the borough is changing lives for the better.
But despite this growth, we are acutely aware that Lambeth is the 8th most deprived borough in London and the 22nd most deprived in England. Deprivation brings significant challenges in health, education and employment for everyone.
And, for some of our people, the problems are even more severe. Some of our communities still suffer even greater levels of poverty and inequality; they still face barriers that prevent them from fulfilling their potential.
Lambeth is open for business and bold in our ambitions but, at the heart of it all, there must be fairness. We must be honest about the inequality we still have in our borough, and ensure that the proceeds of Lambeth’s growth are spread fairly amongst our communities.
Lambeth Council has established an Equality Commission, which will identify these barriers and tackle them head-on. It will concentrate above all on the challenges facing adults with disabilities, our Black Caribbean communities, our Portuguese communities and our Somalian communities.
You can find out more information on the Commission at http://future.lambeth.gov.uk/equality_commission
Lambeth Council leader, Cllr Lib Peck, will chair the Commission, which brings together 10 senior figures, including representatives from business, local voluntary and community sector organisations and research organisations. They will identify the level of inequality in Lambeth – particularly for those communities that are often furthest away from opportunity – and then drive action to tear down the barriers they face.
The Commissioners have a diverse range of links throughout Lambeth’s many communities, and will bring extensive knowledge and experience to the Commission’s work. All members are united in an interest in, and commitment to, reducing inequality; and all of them can offer expertise which will help achieve this.
A key part of the Commission is also public involvement and taking evidence from a range of community organisations. There have already been a series of well-attended meetings on various topics and below are details of the remaining open meetings which all Lambeth residents are invited to. Please do attend if you are interested.
When? 5th January from 6 till 8pm
Where? Streatham Library
What? Participation, representation and leadership discussion – This is an event to discuss and gather evidence about persistent inequalities in regards to participation and leadership in the borough. We want to better understand the issues and need your help to do it.
When? 28th January from 1 till 3pm
Where? Waterloo Action Centre (WAC)
What? Crime and justice discussion – This is an event to discuss and gather evidence about persistent inequalities in relation to crime and justice in the borough. We want to better understand the issues and need your help to do it.
You can find out more information on the Commission at http://future.lambeth.gov.uk/equality_commission
Thurlow Park News 