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Your weekly update of London local government issues

14 June 23

Annual General Meeting 

London Councils helds its AGM last week at which Cllr Georgia Gould was re-elected as Chair of the organisation, with Mayor Philip Glanville elected as Deputy Chair; Cllr Elizabeth Campbell elected Vice Chair as Group Leader of the Conservative group and Cllr Gareth Roberts  elected Vice Chair as Group Leader of the Liberal Democrat group.

Cllr Baroness O’Neill of Bexley OBE stood down from her role as Vice-Chair and Group Leader of the Conservative group, where she has served since 2010, and Cllr Ruth Dombey OBE stood down from her role as Vice-Chair and Group Leader of the Liberal Democrat group, where she has served since 2014.

Cllr Rodwell stood down as Deputy Chair of London Councils, but will continue in his role as Executive Member for Regeneration, Housing and Planning.

Croydon Executive Mayor Jason Perry was elected to London Councils' Executive as Member for London’s Future (Business, Economy and Culture).

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Gould said: “London boroughs represent London’s diverse communities, and we stand united in supporting our residents. From helping Londoners affected by the cost-of-living crisis to tackling the climate change emergency, we understand the challenges facing our capital and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure London’s voice is heard.

“[London Councils'] AGM has once again delivered a strong cross-party leadership committee for London local government who are committed to doing its best for Londoners. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Cllr Baroness O’Neill of Bexley OBE and Cllr Ruth Dombey OBE who are stepping down as Vice-Chairs this year after many years of dedicated service. Their knowledge of London, the depth of their commitment and passion for our city has carried London Councils through many years of opportunity, challenge and change and they will continue to make a huge contribution as borough leaders."

( [link removed] )You can read more about all our Executive Members and their portfolios on our website here. ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Grenfell Tower: six years on 

Today (Wednesday 14 June) marks the six year anniversary since the fire at Grenfell Tower in west London that claimed the lives of 72 people.

Cllr Darren Rodwell, Executive Member for Regeneration, Housing and Planning at London Councils, said: "Today our thoughts are with the families of people who died in the Grenfell Tower fire, the survivors and the wider North Kensington community.

"Six years on from the devastation of the fire, London boroughs are committed to learning the lessons of this horrific event. It is vital that all Londoners are safe and feel safe in their homes, which is why boroughs are not waiting until the Grenfell Inquiry final report is published to act. We are focussing on working together to review and improve services right now.

"One example of this is our recent report, ' ( [link removed] )Delivering for Tenants ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )', which provides local authorities with a toolkit for assessing and improving their landlord service."

LGC Awards winners 

Congratulations to all the London boroughs whose work across a wide range of categories was recognised at the LGC Awards last week.

LB Lewisham's 'Cleaner Lewisham' campaign was named Campaign of the Year; Islington's Parental Support Project took top spot in the Children's Services category; Hackney's Turner Prize winning public art commission was named winner in the Community Involvement category; Brent's digital transformation to deliver a more connected and empowered borough was named winner of the Digital Impact category; Tower Hamlets' Crime Reduction Team won the Innovation category; and Waltham Forest's Property and Delivery Service team won Large Team of the Year.

Former Brent chief executive Carolyn Downs received the LGC Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her oustanding achievements over a 40 year career in local government.

( Former Brent chief executive Carolyn Downs received the LGC Lifetime Achievement Award. )You can find details of all this year's winners and the judge's commendations here. ( Former Brent chief executive Carolyn Downs received the LGC Lifetime Achievement Award. ) ( Former Brent chief executive Carolyn Downs received the LGC Lifetime Achievement Award. )

Skills London

Skills London will be returning to ExCeL London on 24 and 25 November. Skills London offers a practical way for over 20,000 14 to 24 year-olds to meet face to face with more than 100 employers and education providers. It's free to attend and with around 35,000 jobs, training and apprenticeship opportunities at the event, Skills London helps young Londoners find a future that works for them.

The Skills London team works with London schools and colleges from every borough to encourage teachers to book group visits with their students. ( [link removed] )More information about the event and how you can get involved can be found at the Skills London website here ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ).

Loneliness Awareness Week

This week (12-18 June) is Loneliness Awareness Week. We know that talking about mental health is important but it can also be hard to know where to start. Thrive LDN's conversation start tool can help you engage with friends, family, neighbours or those you support in your community or workplace about good mental health, wellbeing and financial worries. ( [link removed] )You can find out more at Thrive LDNs' website here. ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

You may also find these websites useful:
NHS: Help with Loneliness ( [link removed] )
( [link removed] )Good Thinking: How to cope with loneliness ( [link removed] )

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Media round-up...

Londoners urged to take care as junior doctors strike amid heatwave
( [link removed] )Evening Standard ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Not ‘enough’ homes to rehouse Afghan refugees, councillors warn
( [link removed] )LGC ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

London councils say their hands are tied on falling rolls
( [link removed] )Schools Week ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Warning of social housing ‘perfect storm’
( [link removed] )LGC ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Social-housing builds set to reduce
( [link removed] )Construction News ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

London to get more electric vehicle rapid chargers
( [link removed] )Fleet News ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Useful resources

Help with cost of living ( [link removed] )

Disasters Emergency Committee ( [link removed] )

Freedom Pass ( [link removed] )

Taxicard ( [link removed] )

Parking Services ( [link removed] )

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( [link removed] )You can now also follow London Councils  ( [link removed] )
on Instagram  ( [link removed] )

Comments or queries? Email the editor ( [email protected]?subject=Key%20Issues%3A )

visit londoncouncils.gov.uk ( [link removed] )

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London Councils is the collective of local government in London, the 32 boroughs and the City of London.We also run pan-London services like Freedom Pass and Taxicard. 59½ Southwark Street, London SE1 0AL | [email protected] ( [email protected] )

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