Agenda item - Age-Friendly City

49.1 OPC Secretary Mike Bojczuk outlined his investigations about the advantages and the process of Brighton & Hove applying for WHO Age Friendly City status, the aim being to make the local environment and services better and better used by older people. The idea was being well-received. It would mean OPC making a commitment to work actively in co-operation with partners. He was arranging an initial meeting next week to look at the ‘vision’ , the decision-making process and key stakeholders.

49.2 OPC Chair Jack Hazelgrove said OPC had a key role to play here. OPC Vice Chair Francis Tonks expressed support and noted a major Brighton University research project on aging and mobility that he was interested in.

49.3 OPC members asked about the benefits of applying, the Council process for a go-ahead and pointed out that resources would be needed, and expectations ought not be raised too high. After discussion it was agreed to pursue the initiative and contribute ideas.

49.4 RESOLVED that OPC support the initiative of applying for WHO Age-Friendly City Status. (ACTION MB, MvB, all)