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

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.

Responding to the report, London Councils' Acting Chair Cllr Claire Holland, 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."

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

You can find a summary of borough events across London on London Councils' website here.

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.

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 Elizabeth Campbell, 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

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'.

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.

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