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Your weekly update of London local government issues

6 Dec 23

Cost-of-living preventing Londoners from reducing carbon emissions by saving energy

Almost three-quarters of Londoners (73%) say the cost-of-living crisis has made it more difficult for them to take action to help prevent climate change, new polling commissioned by London Councils reveals.  

In the fourth year of research polling by London Councils to gauge Londoners’ understanding of climate change, respondents also said that cost is a barrier which limits Londoners from choosing greener heating or energy options, despite the fact that actions such as insulating their home could save them money in the long term.

London boroughs are responding to this challenge by improving the social housing they own to make it more energy efficient – for example by installing new wall insulation. Boroughs are also shifting how they use their planning powers so they incentivise developers to make newly-built homes and buildings energy efficient by design. Boroughs are also working with partners to install EV charge points in convenient locations making it easier for people to switch to this greener form of transport, to date boroughs have installed over 15,000 EV charge points.

Cllr Kieron Williams, London Councils’ Executive Member for Climate Change, Transport and Environment ( [link removed] ), said:

“It is sobering to see that the ongoing cost-of-living crisis prevents Londoners from taking action on issues that are important to them, such an investing in climate action.

“68% of Londoners have grown more concerned about climate change over the past 12 months. It is inspiring to see that their motivation to take action to address climate change is consistently high year on year. Many are already making sustainable choices, such as recycling old clothes and electronics.

“Decision makers in London boroughs, national government and businesses must harness this motivation to bring in a new sustainable way of living that drives the green economy. That way, we can truly address the climate emergency, bring down people’s bills and bring in a greener, cleaner and healthier London from the ground up”.  

( [link removed] )Read the full press release ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ).

New woodland to provide natural flood defences in north London

A grassland area roughly the size of 100 football pitches, has been transformed into woodland by Enfield Council, using natural solutions to reduce the risk of flooding.

The Enfield Chase Woodland Creation area includes ponds fitted with sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), which encourage a natural water filtering process, using non plastic materials and allowing the soil to soak up and hold more water. This reduces the risk of surface water flooding and protects hundreds of peoples’ homes in the neighbourhoods located in downstream urban areas, such as Edmonton.

The project is part of the borough’s natural flood management initiative which has seen Enfield restore local biodiversity and river habitats to defend homes and buildings from being damaged by flooding.

London boroughs are working together to deliver rapid action on climate change, recognising that our city has a vital role to play in reducing carbon emissions, building resilience to climate impacts and shaping a positive transition to net zero, including a vibrant and inclusive green economy. You can read more about this work here.

By-election result

A by-election took place in the Highgate ward in LB Camden last week (Thursday 30 November). The by-election was won by Green candidate Lorna Russell.

( [link removed] )You can read the result in full on Camden's website here. ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Aldermanic elections

An Aldermanic election took place at the City of London Corporation last week.

( [link removed] )All Aldermanic election results can be seen here ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ).

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Media round-up...

Nine boroughs bidding to become London's next 'Borough of Culture' - and what they say
The Standard ( [link removed] )

London public transport crime rates ‘broadly in line’ with wider trends, senior police officer says
( [link removed] )On London ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Thousands of new foster carers urgently needed in England, experts say
The Guardian ( [link removed] )

Soaring rents pose a ‘threat’ to London’s competitiveness as youngsters are priced out
( [link removed] )City AM ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Wheelchair signal lights installed at London crossings ( [link removed] )BBC News ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Useful resources

Help with cost of living ( [link removed] )

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About London Councils ( [link removed] )

Do It London's 'Be Sure, Know the Four' campaign is a reminder  that combination prevention is still the most effective strategy to prevent HIV.

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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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