Agenda item

To receive an update on what follow up there has been since the presentation of the Southwark LGBTQ+ Network report received by Overview and Scrutiny Committee in July 2020 (Item 5), and how the council is progressing LGBTQ+ equality in the borough.

The committee will hear from:

·  Councillor Stephanie Cryan, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities and Finance (Lead cabinet member)

·  Jessica Leech, Community Engagement Manager (General overview)

·  Catherine Brownell, Programme Manager, Sustainable Growth (Regeneration/property perspective)

Note: Link to Southwark LGBTQ+ Network report https://moderngov.southwark.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=308&MId=6727&Ver=4 (see item 5)

Councillor Stephanie Cryan, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities and Finance informed the committee that this item would focus on the LGBTQ+ community centres.  Updates around the Southwark Equality Framework, and support being provided to Southwark LGBTQ+ communities would be presented to a future meeting.

The committee received a briefing from Catherine Brownell, Programme Manager on progress relating to Bankside Yards LGBTQ+ Community Centre and the Hopton Street LGBTQ+ Community Centre.

After the briefing, questions and discussion were held around the following areas:

·  Future of the Hopton Street site.

·  Stonewall top 100 inclusive employers list.

·  Provision for a centre in the south of the borough.

·  Procuring a suitable operator.

·  Location of the offsite affordable housing.

·  Poland – communities attempt to establish LGBTQ+ free zones. Use of twinning arrangements to exert pressure and influence.