Agenda item

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

The City of London Corporation has identified the reduction of social isolation and

loneliness as a strategic priority. Research from Goldsmiths, University of London,

has provided valuable insights into social isolation within the City of London and has

also suggested areas where extra investigation could prove beneficial.

In September, this Committee approved the formation of a group tasked with

investigating some of these areas further. Clarification was requested around the

group’s scope, methodology and costs.

A Social Wellbeing Panel will now be brought together to investigate specific issues

relevant to social isolation in the City of London. The Panel will hear evidence from

a range of contributors, and evidence heard will be used to refine the City

Corporation’s Social Wellbeing Strategy and its actions.

Only issues identified as having a high degree of relevance for City residents will

be considered by the Panel. The scope of the Panel will be to make specific

recommendations for reducing social isolation in the City of London.

The Social Wellbeing Panel will examine specific issues drawn from the City of

London based research, engagement and consultation undertaken to date.

These may be:

· issues that emerged from Roger Green’s research (e.g. highlighting the

isolation faced by some older LGBT people in the City);

· issues that have arisen from the public consultation (e.g. early responses from

BAME residents suggest they are unsure the draft strategy does enough to

meet their needs);

· issues raised by Members (e.g. the problems faced by City residents who live

away from the main residential estates);

· particular approaches that have led to reductions in social isolation elsewhere

(e.g. innovative uses of new technology).

The direct costs of the Social Wellbeing Panel are estimated to be £2,500 for the

design and print of a summary report and £1,000 for meeting expenses.

Resolved – that the report be received.