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Your weekly update of London local government issues

6 Sep 23

Surge in London landlords quitting temporary accommodation sector 

A London Councils survey ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) has revealed a 120% increase in London landlords quitting the temporary accommodation sector, with stark warnings for the impact on homelessness in the capital.

Between September 2022 and April 2023, 15 boroughs reported receiving a Notice to Quit (a legal notice requesting the return of a property) from landlords for 3,531 properties in use as temporary accommodation.

( [link removed] )Cllr Darren Rodwell, London Councils' Executive Member for Regeneration, Housing & Planning, said: ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) "Turbulence in the private rented sector is a key factor behind the capital's skyrocketing rates of homelessness."

"Boroughs face a complete lack of other options for keeping a roof over an increasing number of homeless families' heads."

He reiterated that the government should "treat this as the emergency that it is and work with us in reversing the numbers relying on temporary accommodation."

Executive changes

London Councils has confirmed changes to our Executive to support the maternity leave of Cllr Georgia Gould, Chair of London Councils.

Cllr Claire Holland will be acting Chair of London Councils for this period, including leading on the future of London, local government finance and devolution.

Cllr Nesil Caliskan will be acting Deputy Chair.

Cllr Grace Williams will join the Executive as the Member for Communities and will lead on issues relating to asylum seeking and refugees.

These changes take effect immediately.

Get Online London shortlisted for Community Improvement Award

( [link removed] )Get Online London ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) has been named as a finalist for the Community Improvement Award at this year’s ( [link removed] )Connected Britain Awards ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

At a time when digital connectivity is an essential gateway to work, health, finances and a range of services, some 6% of London households still do not have an internet-enabled device - and more than 1.6 million Londoners lack basic digital skills. Get Online London is London’s first digital inclusion service giving Londoners access to refurbished devices, free mobile connectivity and digital skills training.

Supported by the London Office of Technology and Innovation (LOTI) and the Mayor of London, Get Online London is delivered by Good Things Foundation.

Meet the nominees

The winners of the 13th annual London Borough Apprenticeship Awards will be announced on 11 September. As ( [link removed] )London Councils’ Executive Member for Skills and Employment, Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ), says: “The nominees of this year’s awards showcase an excellent array of talented apprentices motivated to serve the public good alongside the dedicated officers and managers who take on and support them to achieve their potential." Ahead of this year's awards we've been meeting the shortlisted apprentices, and posting their videos on Intstagram. You can watch the first two videos below and follow London Councils on Instragram ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) for more videos each day this week.

Jawad Ibrahimi (LB Camden, Shortlisted for Best Contribution by a New Apprentice) ( [link removed] )

( [link removed] )Nathan Edwards (RB Greenwich, Shortlisted for Best Apprentice Working in a School). ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

A full list of all this year's shortlisted apprentices is available here. ( [link removed] )

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Media round-up...

Homeless families evicted as landlords quit London emergency housing sector
( [link removed] )The Guardian ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Data reveals 781% rise in homeless families staying in B&Bs longer than legal limit
( [link removed] )Evening Standard ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Homeless London families evicted as emergency housing deals end

Local Gov ( [link removed] )

London uses data to help residents find unclaimed benefits
Cities Today ( [link removed] )

More than 100 schools told to shut buildings over safety concerns
( [link removed] )LocalGov ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

South East Councils to consider devolution of vehicle excise duty
( [link removed] )The MJ ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

We are reviewing the London Parking & Traffic Enforcement Penalty Charges and we want you to have your say. The consultation can be found here ( [link removed] ), along with additional information to support you in responding to it

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] )

About London Councils ( [link removed] )

( [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] )

( [link removed] )

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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