In a wide-ranging debate on 17 January 2008, members of the House of Lords discussed the legacy opportunities of London hosting the 2012 Olympic Games. Social Enterprise London (SEL) submitted a briefing to peers taking part in the debate, highlighting how social enterprises can help in the delivery and legacy of the 2012 Games.
Issues discussed included the necessity for 2012 to instigate long-term benefits in areas such as transport, housing, culture and the importance of ensuring that social enterprise is able to play an active role in the delivery and legacy of the 2012 Games.
Lord Mawson, who introduced the debate, said: "The key players in my view are central government, the Mayor of London, local government, business entrepreneurs operating in the area and, so often forgotten, the social entrepreneurs and local communities that have a long-term stake in the area."
Lord Mawson, himself a well-known social entrepreneur and founder of the renowned Bromley by Bow Centre, also said: "It is surely not beyond our wit to create a simple, focused, business-like structure for east London regeneration that, first, recognises with honesty and humility that each of these key players has both strengths and weaknesses; secondly, recognises the legitimate rights, responsibilities and roles of each of these key players; and, thirdly, enables them to work together rather than against each other or in isolation".
To read the full debate, click here.
