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Your weekly update of London local government issues

1 April 2020

Rough sleepers

Following the government's urgent request to find emergency accommodation for all rough sleepers in England, London boroughs are working hard alongside housing providers, health services and the voluntary sector, to find suitable accommodation for the thousands of people sleeping rough in the capital, in order to protect them from coronavirus.

London has the most severe homelessness crisis in the country and a chronic lack of housing, which means the challenge of finding homes for London’s rough sleepers, many of whom are extremely vulnerable, is immense.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

London's boroughs are determined to secure PPE for frontline social care workers, who are playing such a crucial role in supporting the most vulnerable Londoners during this difficult time.

Recent deliveries of equipment by the military to local authority depots across the capital have improved supplies – and boroughs are grateful for this assistance.

PPE shortages remain an ongoing challenge however and London boroughs will continue to work with the government on ensuring PPE is available to all frontline staff.

Take extra care in disposing of waste

The Chair of London Councils' Transport and Environment Committee (TEC), Cllr Julian Bell, has reiterated advice to anyone self isolating with coronavirus symptoms to double bag waste tissues and put them aside for at least 72 hours before putting them out for collection. You can hear Cllr Bell's interview in full on the Vanessa Feltz show here (BBC Sounds). ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Combatting misinformation

The government has set up a special unit to coordinate efforts to tackle a range of harmful narratives online. Up to 70 incidents a week, from purported ‘experts’ circulating dangerous misinformation, to criminal fraudsters running phishing scams, are being identified and resolved. You can read more about the new unit here ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ).

To help the public to spot false information, the government has published the SHARE checklist ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) here.

London Trading Standards has warned Londoners to be alert to potential scams and frauds and have a number of helplines set up to report suspect doorstep callers, online fraudsters and fake products. ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Support for businesses and employees

The London Growth Hub has launched a new portal to support businesses and employers. ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

The portal includes a checklist outlining what steps businesses should take to reduce their risk of exposure to coronavirus, as well as to prepare for future disruption. The checklist is updated daily with all the latest information and guidance available.

London Funders

London Funders, the membership body for investors in London's civil society, has announced that the first wave of  funding to support groups responding to the needs of communities affected by the covid-19 pandemic is now available.

Initial funding will focus on urgent needs - food and essentials. Community and voluntary sector groups delivering support can find out more here ( London Community Response - first wave of funding now available to support groups responding to the needs of communities affected by the covid-19 pandemic.This first wave will focus on urgent needs - food and essentials. More funding to come.?campaignkw=London%20Funders ) ( London Community Response - first wave of funding now available to support groups responding to the needs of communities affected by the covid-19 pandemic.This first wave will focus on urgent needs - food and essentials. More funding to come.?campaignkw=London%20Funders ).

New Leader RB Kingston upon Thames

Cllr Caroline Kerr has replaced Cllr Liz Green as Leader of Kingston upon Thames Council. Cllr Green will continue to serve as a councillor. Read more on RB Kingston's website ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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In the news...

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Cressida Dick: Enforcing coronavirus rules is 'last resort'
ITV News ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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NHS boss: Nightingale hospital an 'extraordinary team effort'
BBC News ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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UK faces cardboard shortage due to crisis
The Guardian ( UK faces cardboard shortage due to crisis?campaignkw=Guardian ) ( UK faces cardboard shortage due to crisis?campaignkw=Guardian )

Coronavirus (COVID-19) latest information and advice

Please check these websites for the most up-to-date and accurate infomation regarding coronavirus and government, NHS and PHE advice:

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

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

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

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

and remember to follow us for all the breaking news...

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Comments or queries? Email the editor ( [email protected]?subject=Key%20Issues )

visit londoncouncils.gov.uk ( [link removed] )

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London Councils fights for the best deal for our boroughs, develops policy and lobbies government on the issues
that matter for 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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