Archbishop Speaks Out Against Inequality As Fairness Commission Report Is Presented

The Archbishop of York Speaking at the Presentation of the Report

Monday 28th November 2011

It has been a great privilege for me, to have been part of the Fairness Commission process which has brought about this initial report which we are presenting to you tonight.

 The principles and recommendations which are the basis of our report are as follows: 

1. Make reducing inequalities a prime focus in policy/decisions.
2. Support & empower the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.
3. Adopt a long-term view.
4. Listen and Engage.
5. Find ways to generate new income.
6. Base budget decisions on evidence, values and needs.
7. Take account of wider factors that affect inequalities in York.
8. Target investments and services geographically.
9. Growth for people, not for its own sake.
10. A ‘best in class’ council.

York, as we all know, is a marvellous city, with beauty, history, culture, and many excellent facilities for those who live here. So it is not surprising that earlier this year it was voted the best and most beautiful place to live in Britain.

But those of us who live here know that this is only part of the story. Side by side with those who are living in comfort and enjoying all the benefits of this city, many of our neighbours are experiencing poverty, poor education, unemployment, high crime levels, isolation. For them the picture is very different. 

How can these conditions exist side by side? Why are people in some of our wards struggling, while others live in comfort.  And what can we do to make life better and fairer for all our citizens?

Wanting to find the answer to those questions was the driving force and inspiration for the Fairness Commission’s work here in York.

But the Commission knew that we needed more than good intentions and a vision for reversing the effects of inequality.  If changes are to be made, all the citizens of York need to be part of the process, just as they will need to be part of the solution.

 The consultation process we held with the people of the city has been tremendously encouraging. There is a real sense of belonging, and a desire *to ensure that everyone can live life to the full, with equal opportunities and equal involvement in the life of the city.

 And the gathering of facts and statistics have, I hope, given us the basis on which decisions can be made,

We are bringing this report to you, as the elected executive body of this city, with the hope that you will receive its findings, and take on the implications of the recommendations.  And we recognize that in doing so, some difficult decisions and choices will have to be made. 

Fairness and equality of provision and expectation cannot be achieved without a shift in culture and consciousness for everyone, rich and poor alike. 

 It is a challenge. And it will need courage to face it.

For the council, you will need the courage to consider unpopular, but well-grounded decisions and the determination to ensure that those decisions really will make a difference.

For the people, it will need courage to accept that for some of us life may have to become a little less comfortable in order for it to be more bearable for others.

This radical shift can’t be achieved by a shuffling of different budget pots, or by different interest groups fighting their own corner.

And if you, as the Council, have the wisdom to take the decisions which will make a difference, this will required greater trust earned with the people of the City. You must be transparent, accountable and truthful. May I encourage you to be careful with the truth and shun spin at all costs.

So tonight, this interim report isn’t just an offering to you as a Council, it is also a clarion call to all the citizens of York to get ready to work together to make life better for all.

You may know the concept of the scapegoat.  In Old Testament times, of the Jewish Scriptures, all the sins of the Israelites were confessed and then and laid on a scapegoat which was then sent into the wilderness, leaving the children of the Israelites clean and free of their guilt. 

We must not maintain our own comfort and ease of life by condemning others to live lives of discomfort and hopelessness.

That is why I hope and pray that this Interim Report will be received by all, and that in the coming months a real start will be made on making the City of York not just the best and most beautiful, but also the fairest city in England.

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