The Household Support Fund, which has been vital for London boroughs over the last few years to help low-income residents with the cost-of-living, is currently set to end in March 2024.

The government has confirmed that no decision on an extension has yet been made. London Councils believes that the funding should be extended for at least another year at the current level and wrote to the Chancellor before Christmas to set out why. We will be continuing to make further representations to government in the coming weeks on the positive impact the fund has had for Londoners and the need for its extension.

The London Office of Technology and Innovation (LOTI) will next week host the first ever meet up for apprentices working in digital, data, tech and innovation in London Local Government.

The Zoom session, on Thursday 25 January (4-6pm), is for apprentices working in digital, data, technology and innovation related roles within London Local Government for LOTI Members.If you’re not sure if your employer is a LOTI member, you can check here.

The Meet Up will be an opportunity to meet other apprentices at local authorities across London working in similar roles and learning on similar programmes to yourself. The session will also inlcude some special guests who will share a bit about their experiences as leaders in the sector.

You can find out more about the Meet Up and register to join the guest list here.

Damien Egan last week resigned as Mayor of Lewisham following his selection as the Labour candidate for the Kingswood Parliamentary by-election, due to take place on 15 February.

The date of a by-election to elect a new Mayor will be announced in due course. Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing Development and Planning, Councillor Brenda Dacres, is Acting Mayor of Lewisham in the meantime.

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