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Your weekly update of London local government issues

04 Oct 23

Devolution is key to addressing challenges UK cities are facing

London Councils has welcomed a major new report from the UK Urban Futures Commission ( [link removed] ) which has called for the government 'to release the handbrake' on investment to unleash the potential of UK cities. ( [link removed] )

The report, produced in partnership between the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) and Core Cities UK, hopes a new suite of local powers can help boost growth, repair the social fabric and meet net zero targets. ( [link removed] )

Responding to the report,  ( [link removed] )London Councils' Acting Chair Cllr Claire Holland ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ), said: "Devolving more power and resources to the local level is key to addressing so many of the challenges communities face across the country - and this applies to London too."

"Compared to other countries around the world, the UK still operates within a highly centralised national structure that too often undermines local leaders' ability to get the best possible results for residents."

"Boroughs in the capital are as determined as ever that London's devolution journey is not yet over. With more financial levers at our disposal, we would be in a much stronger position to boost growth and invest in the long-term future of Londoners' local services. We will continue to work alongside cities from across the UK in pushing forward this vital agenda."

Black History Month 

Events and activities will be taking place across the capital to mark Black History Month, which kicks off this week.

( [link removed] )You can find a summary of borough events across London on London Councils' website here ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ).

The theme of this year's Black History Month is 'Saluting our Sisters', highlighting the crucial role of black women in shaping history, inspiring change and building communities.

For more information on Black History Month activities throughout October, please do keep an eye on London Councils' social media channels ( [link removed] ).

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Conservative Party Conference

Yesterday London Councils hosted an engaging and well-attended fringe event at the Conservative party conference, exploring the topic: Unleashing London’s potential: How can we secure London’s future prosperity?

The event was chaired by London Councils' Vice Chair Cllr ( [link removed] )Elizabeth Campbell ( [link removed] ), ( [link removed] ) with panelists: Lee Rowley MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Local Government and Building Safety), Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities; Neil Garratt, Leader of the City Hall Conservatives and London Assembly Member, and Muniya Barua, Deputy Chief Executive, BusinessLDN

Labour  Party Conference

Next Tuesday (10 October), London Councils will host its final fringe event of this year's party conference season at the Labour party conference in Liverpool. The event will be exploring London's vision for a sustainable future, 'Retrofit revolution: Making our homes greener, warmer and more affordable'.

( [link removed] )Conference attendees are welcome to join us on Tuesday 10 October 2023, 08:45-10:00 in Room 4A, ACC Liverpool, King's Dock, Port of Liverpool, Kings Dock St, Liverpool L3 4FP. ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

The event will be chaired by London Councils' Acting Chair Cllr Claire Holland, with panelists: Tom Copely, Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and Residential Development; Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council and Gillian Cooper, Head of Energy Policy, Citizens Advice

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Media round-up...

London Councils welcomes devolution push in UK Urban Futures Commission report

( [link removed] )Local Authority Building & Maintenance ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

London's rental e-scooter trial enters second phase

( [link removed] )Fleet World ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Sam Nutt: The practicalities and pitfalls of AI in local government

LGC ( [link removed] )

London boroughs investing in climate measures

( [link removed] )Public Sector Executive ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

London’s biggest landlords to provide temporary accommodation for councils
( [link removed] )Inside Housing ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Government announces 20mph review
The MJ ( [link removed] )

One in 20 children sleeping on the floor, survey finds
( [link removed] )LocalGov ( [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. Please note: This consultation will close on 23 October 2023.

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] )

Sunday 1 October was the International Day of Older Persons and new research published by Age UK has provided a unique snapshot of what life is like in 2023 for London’s population of 1.4 million people over 60.You can read the report in full below:

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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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