When Rupa went to an Easy Read engagement event at City Hall

On Wednesday 29 October, IC Works expert by experience Rupa was joined by her Mum, Kieran, and IC Works Director Ian for an Easy Read engagement event run by Publica and Inclusion London to give feedback on the Mayor of London’s ‘Towards A New London Plan’, which IC Works co-produced earlier in the summer.

A journey on the Elizabeth Line whisked everyone to Custom House station, close to the eXcel exhibition centre and a brisk 15-minute walk to City Hall, in the inevitable London drizzle.

An interesting but grey day at City Hall for IC Works expert Rupa attending the New London Plan consultation event

Rupa was joined by other London residents with a learning disability and by London-based organisations, such as People First for a series of group discussions about the issues raised in ‘Towards A New London Plan’.

She said: “I thought it was a good experience meeting people from the GLA in person. I grew in my confidence skills, and it was a wonderful day out!”

Strategic Planner, Karen Montgomerie, who worked closely with IC Works on the Easy Read information pack and survey, said during the meeting that: “co-producing the Easy Read document was one of the most interesting projects I’ve ever taken part in”.

The three-hour session (with breaks) covered various aspects of the London Plan, which broadly outlines how the Mayor of London will build thousands of new homes across London over the next 20 years or so.

Issues raised by the group included affordability, supporting independence and accessibility, especially accessible information about all aspects of housing and independent living.

The new London Plan is due for publication in 2026. As part of their public consultation on the document, the GLA intends to include ideas and suggestions discussed at this event.