Fairness Commission To Present Final Report
Monday 24th September 2012
The York Fairness Commission will present its Final Report to the leaders of City of York Council on Thursday 27th September at an event at Bishopthorpe Palace.The presentation of the report will be the culmination of months of work to see how inequality and unfairness can be tackled across York, in the face of a difficult economic situation nationally.
Whilst research shows two fifths of York residents are relatively well off, living in the best 20% of places in the country, around 13,000 residents in the City live in the most deprived 20% of the country. In addition , City of York Council must make £19.7m worth of savings over the next two years due to cuts imposed by central government.
Attending the event will be a number of invited guests including: community and voluntary sector groups who took part in the consultation process; leaders and Chief Executives from local authorities across the Yorkshire and Humber region; representatives of all Fairness Commissions nationally; and representatives of national organisations that campaign for social justice.
Dr Sentamu, Sponsor of the Fairness Commission, said:
“Research has conclusively shown that a more equal society is a happier society. If we want to see York prosper and flourish we must look to reduce the societal divide that currently exists. It is our duty and our responsibility.
“The final report of the Fairness Commission will help to set out in some detail the hopes and aspirations of the residents of York for how we achieve that fairer society. Many individuals and organisations came to the meetings to give their views. Others emailed, wrote or telephoned to explain the challenges being faced across the city. We are extremely grateful for their participation, and without them this report would not have been possible.
“I hope our elected representatives, from across the political parties, will consider the recommendations being put forward in a spirit of shared endeavour. I am sure, regardless of our backgrounds, we all want to see a fairer and more prosperous York where everyone is encouraged to play an active role.”
Ruth Redfern, Chair of the York Fairness Commission, said:
“The York Fairness Commission is a new way of thinking. We believe, as Fairness Commissioners, that York should have no tolerance of poverty. We know that inequality is corrosive and there is no place for such social devastation in this beautiful, vibrant and wealthy city.
“We hope our report will be owned and actioned by all. Only by this ownership and this intolerance of inequality and poverty will we make the long lasting impact for the future of York. It does mean a new way of thinking, by considering the impact on inequality of all decisions we make as organisations, businesses and individuals. Never has there been a more important time to do so than in this era of austerity, downsizing and cuts. It is too easy for those with little to end up with even less.
“I must thank all the residents, organisations, businesses and enthusiastic participants from all quarters of York for their contribution to this report and their warm welcome to me. It has been a fabulous experience listening, talking and debating with everyone involved.”
The presentation will take place at 6.30pm at Bishopthorpe Palace. Media and photographers welcome.
To register your attendance, or further information, please contact Kerron Cross, the Archbishop of York’s Director of Communication on 07738 354 491 or at kerron.cross@archbishopofyork.org