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Your weekly update of London local government issues

18  March 2020

Businesses need urgent support

London Councils has shared boroughs’ concerns about the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on businesses in the capital and called for urgent government action.

Cllr Peter John, Chair of London Councils ( [link removed] ) said: “Boroughs will do everything we can to support our local businesses during this hugely difficult time, but only the government has the power and resources to intervene on the scale required. ( London Councils has shared boroughs’ concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on businesses in the capital and called for urgent government action. Cllr Peter John, Chair of London Councils, said:?campaignkw=Biz )

“If we’re to avoid the worst-case economic scenarios, ministers need to confirm an ambitious package of support – including immediate relief on businesses rates and clear guidance for councils.”

Cllr John has this week announced that, given the unprecedented challenge of coronavirus (COVID-19), he will stay in post as Leader of Southwark and as Chair of London Councils beyond 25 March (the date he had intended to step down) to help his successors ensure plans to keep communities safe are robust and working effectively.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and waste

London boroughs are committed to supporting Londoners during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, including working day and night to look after the most vulnerable people in our communities through adult social care and continuing to run other essential services.
These services of course include waste and recycling collections and Londoners can help ensure the safety of operatives and limit the spread of coronaviris (COVID-19) by ensuring their refuse is securely contained, using extra bin bags if possible, to reduce the risk of council staff coming into contact with COVID-19.

A London Councils spokesperson said: “Avoiding contamination of recycling with other substances is now more important than ever, as it will enable our waste operatives to do their jobs safely, as well as making it possible for your recycling to eventually be re-used elsewhere.”

Budget reaction

Responding to the Budget delivered by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak last Wednesday, London Councils chair Cllr Peter John OBE welcomed measures to tackle coronavirus (COVID-19), alongside a much needed boost to wider public sector investment. But Cllr John said it was disappointing that the Chancellor did not announce any significant infrastructure schemes for London and warned that a number of measures, such as additional business rates relief, while welcome, were short term fixes for more fundamental problems.

“With the Spending Review on the horizon, government must do more to recognise the vital role that London boroughs and other local authorities play in driving sustainable growth through increases in day-to-day budgets and more ambitious fiscal devolution", he added.

You can read more on London Councils' reaction to the Budget here. ( [link removed] )

MPs debate private rented sector

Later today, MPs will meet to discuss issues related to the private rented sector (PRS) at a Westminster Hall debate called by Tulip Siddiq MP.

London Councils is calling for improved regulation of the short-term lets market and for boroughs to have stronger enforcement powers to ensure decent accommodation standards for tenants in the private rented sector. By 2025, just under 40 per cent of all households in London are expected to live in the PRS, which will overtake owner occupation as the most common form of housing in London for the first time since the 1960s.

London Councils has briefed London MPs ahead of the debate.

Mayoral elections delayed

On Friday, the government announced that it would seek to delay for a year the local and mayoral elections, including those for the Mayor of London, due to take place on 7 May.

The decision follows a formal request from the Electoral Commission that the governent consider postponing the elections to allow local authorities to focus their efforts on delivering front line public services and to mitigate risks to voters and campaigners.

The government said it would bring forward the necessary legislation to allow the elections to be postponed until May 2021.

Welcome boost in tackling HIV

Last week, the government announced that it would fund the routine provision of the HIV drug PrEP across England ( [link removed] ) as part of its aim to end HIV transmission by 2030. The announcement was warmly welcomed by London boroughs, who point to PrEP’s crucial role in reducing HIV rates in the capital.

London Councils’ Executive Member for Health & Care, Cllr Ray Puddifoot MBE, said ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ): “Ministers have clearly listened to boroughs and come to the right decision. We’ve long been vocal advocates for PrEP because it’s a crucial part of London’s approach to tackling HIV. This announcement is great news for public health in the capital and a major boost to our efforts to end HIV altogether.”

Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice

Check the UK government, NHS and Public Health England websites for up-to-date information and advice on the Coronavirus (COVID-19):

Information on UK government response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) ( [link removed] )

Find out how to protect yourself or check if you need medical help on the NHS website ( [link removed] )

Read more about frequently asked questions about coronavirus (COVID-19) on Public Health England’s blog ( [link removed] )

Guidance for employees, employers and businesses ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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