Your weekly update on London local government. Problems viewing this? [link removed] Add to safe sender.

Your weekly update of London local government issues

8 April 2020

Stay safe and help keep parks open

London Councils Chair Cllr Peter John has urged people to follow government advice to ensure London's parks can remain open.

"Boroughs want to keep London’s parks open", he said. "These open spaces are especially important to the many Londoners without a garden.

"But in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, we must all do our bit to slow the spread of the virus and help save lives.

"As the bank holiday weekend approaches, it’s crucial we all keep listening to government advice: Stay Home, Protect the NHS and Save Lives. Anyone going to a park for exercise should stay as local as possible, not gather in groups, and keep two metres’ distance apart.

"Boroughs are hugely grateful for the efforts Londoners are making during this difficult time."

Looking after vulnerable Londoners  

London Councils has praised the vital work of frontline staff and volunteers in supporting vulnerable Londoners during the coronavirus pandemic.

Cllr Ray Puddifoot, London Councils’ Executive Member for Health & Care, said: “Boroughs are immensely grateful for the dedication of adult social care staff, who are working around the clock to support vulnerable residents and relieve pressure on the NHS.

“During this crisis, London adult social care services have redoubled efforts to avoid delays in the transfer of care from hospitals. The sector is playing a crucial role in the resilience of our NHS and will be more important than ever in the coming weeks.

“Boroughs also want to thank the charities and volunteers providing support at this difficult time. Their sterling efforts make such a difference to vulnerable members of our communities."

Councillor handbook updated

London Councils' Civil Resilience Handbook for London Councillors has been updated to reflect new advice In light of the Covid 19 Pandemic, in particular with regard to how councillors' roles should be discharged with reference to the government’s latest advice and guidance. The handbook includes checklists for leading members and ward members.

You can read more about the handbook on London Councils website ( [link removed] ) and downloard the latest version here ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) [pdf].

A briefing note advising of the changes was sent to London councillors on Monday evening.

MHCLG clarifies new regulations on council meetings and elections

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has this week written to local authority chief executives ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) explaining two sets of regulations made under the Coronavirus Act 2020.

The first set of regulations enables all local authority meetings before 7 May 2021 to be held remotely and removes the requirement for the annual meeting this year.

The second set postpones until 6 May 2021 local by-elections and other polls, either scheduled or which would otherwise arise before that date.

Share this...

[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]

or forward to a colleague [link removed]

In the news...

( [link removed] )

UK sunbathers may trigger stricter coronavirus lockdowns
The Guardian ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

( [link removed] )

PPE 'on its way' to the frontline
The MJ ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

( [link removed] )

Councils embody how we will get through this emergency
LGC ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

( [link removed] )

Coronavirus: Specialist teams to handle non-hospital deaths
BBC News ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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...

( [link removed] )
( [link removed] )

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

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

( [link removed] )

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] )

Unsubscribe from this newsletter [link removed]