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Large inequalities in wealth and shared opportunities have long been a problem in London. Before the Covid-19 crisis, 28% of Londoners were found to be living in poverty, compared to 22% across the UK. The Covid-19 pandemic has amplified pre-existing socioeconomic inequalities in the nation’s capital, with shocking and disproportionate effects seen in relation to factors such as gender, ethnicity, disability and age.
Recovery will be one of the biggest challenges of 2021. Critical to this will be addressing the devastating impact of Covid-19, as well as Brexit, on equalities. If we don’t tackle this head on, we risk an even more polarised city of haves and have–nots, pervading all aspects of city life from homes to employment to wellbeing. With pressures including ongoing crisis management, uncertainty, resource deficit and a lack of joined–up working, it is hard to know which way to turn.
Future of London’s major 2021 project – Building Recovery: closing the gap – will share successful approaches to tackling the equity gap from across the capital, as well as other UK and overseas cities. Linking to London’s recovery missions, themes include: upskilling for green and growth industries, affordable homes and public space, transport, culture and the arts, and climate justice in London and beyond. The programme will shine a light on innovative projects working to close the equity gap and explore how new ways of collaborating across sectors – including communities – can safeguard fairer cities for all.
We are currently developing the full programme for this project. Watch this space for updates and on FoL’s events page.
| The widening gap in numbers | |
| 307,000 | More Londoners have made unemployment related claims since March 2020 [1] |
| 23% | Increase in homelessness in the capital in the last quarter of 2020 [2] |
| £350 – £720 | Predicted loss in income for ethnic minority households in London due to tax and welfare changes |
| 1 in 12 | Private renters in London have fallen behind on their rent during lockdown [3] |
We’re keen to connect with organisations involved in working with London’s post-Covid recovery and equity across the capital. If you have experience to share or are interested in partnering with FoL on this project, please contact Hannah Gibbs.
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