Agenda item

This report asks Health and Wellbeing Board (HWBB) members to apply for World Health Organisation (WHO) Age Friendly Communities Status for York.

The Health and Wellbeing Board considered a report which asked Members for permission to apply for World Health Organisation (WHO) Age Friendly Communities Status. The Information and Social Action Manager outlined the report and noted that the Council consulted with residents and stakeholders to understand the key issues, and recommendations that can be implemented. He also outlined some recent projects that the Council have been involved in to improve services, which includes community transport and accessibility in community venues.

There were three options available to the Board in relation to applying for WHO status:

1.   Apply for WHO status

2.   Remain part of the Age Friendly Community but not apply for WHO status

3.   Withdraw from the Age Friendly Community through the Centre for Ageing Better and determine an alternative method to deliver against the ageing well arm of Health and Wellbeing strategy.

The recommendation was changed to pause the application for WHO status in order to engage with community groups who have expressed concern, and work with the Access Officer to find a positive and constructive way to proceed. He also noted that the Council has an ongoing consultation process to choose priority areas.

Members were supportive of this amended recommendation and highlighted areas where York fails to be age friendly, including through pavement cafes and mobility problems, accessibility to online services and parking issues.

Resolved: That the City of York remain part of the Age Friendly Community but the application for WHO status be paused.

Reason: In order to engage with community groups and the Council’s Access Officer to find a positive and constructive way to proceed with the WHO status application.