Forgotten of Camden

Camden Council has a public sector equality duty in relation to us which it ignores. Quite apart from the legal duty, it has a moral and social duty to us. The PSED means that it must take into account our particular needs and make reasonable adjustments to meet those needs so that we have the same chance as the able-bodied and younger residents to participate in public life, access public spaces and enjoy those public spaces.

It is our belief that all residents, irrespective of their age or physical abilities, should have equal access to public facilities, services and the decision-making processes that shape our community.

Inadequate consideration for the needs of the elderly and less able hinders their full and equal participation in society and does not reflect the principles of fairness, equality and respect upon which our community prides itself.

Specific disenfranchising policies include:

1. The emphasis on digital access to information and parking which excludes those of us who are not IT literate and do not use computers or smart phones.

2. The emphasis on cycle lanes, particularly those on Haverstock Hill, which has removed all parking, does not take account of those of us who cannot get around without using cars. Many of us cannot cycle due to physical constraints, yet the topography of Belsize Park and Hampstead is such that even experienced cyclists fear to use their bikes in this area. The hills are steep enough to make both cycling and walking difficult if not impossible for older and less able residents - and this is an area with an elderly population. Yet, policies abound which put extra barriers in the way of our mobility and freedom to get around. There has to be a balance and that balance is significantly lacking.

3. The regulations introduced under the healthy school streets scheme ban the significant numbers of older and less able residents of those streets from:
- receiving tradespeople and carers who may only be able to come at the restricted times
- being collected and delivered to their front door by taxis who will not come into the area during the restricted times; and
- receiving friends and family during the restricted times.

This prevents those residents from leading normal lives, participating fully in life in the community, is discriminatory and against the PSED.

4. Those of us who live in Netherhall and Maresfield Gardens, Nutley Terrace and much of Belsize Park cannot access the high streets and shops of Finchley Road, Hampstead, Belsize Park or Belsize Village on foot because of the hills and distance. We are dependent on cars. Even to reach public transport, steep hills must be negotiated. In addition, there is no step free access at Belsize Park, Finchley Road, Hampstead or Swiss Cottage tube stations or Finchley Road and Frognal overground. Thus, without cars or taxis, we are effectively house bound. This is unfair and undemocratic.

5. There are not enough dropped curbs for those of us who need wheelchairs to get around.

Therefore, we urge Camden Council to:

1. Engage with the Community: Involve us, the older and less able community members in the policy-making process. Our insights, lived experiences and inputs are invaluable in creating policies that effectively cater for our needs.

2. Work with us to review current policies: Work with us in a process to thoroughly reassess the current policies and their impacts on the older and less able residents of Camden. This should be done with an aim to understand the shortcomings of the current policies and identify the changes needed to make them more inclusive. This includes access to cars where possible.

3. Improve Accessibility: Ensure all public facilities and services are fully accessible to all residents, including those with physical disabilities. This includes, but is not limited to, public buildings, parks, transportation and communication services.

4. Increase Support Services: Implement increased and improved support services for older and less able individuals, to help them lead independent and fulfilling lives. These services might include home aid, transportation assistance, healthcare facilities, and more.

5. Awareness and Education: Conduct awareness and education programmes for the community, local businesses, and organisations about the needs and rights of the older and less able residents to foster understanding and respect within the community.

We believe that these steps are essential to create an inclusive, supportive and fair community and to comply with Camden’s legal PSED duties.

We look forward to your commitment and prompt action to address these issues and make Camden a better place for all its residents.