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

Your weekly London local government update

29 May 24

Addressing London's challenges will be crucial for any government

The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called a General Election that will take place on 4 July. The current Parliament will be dissolved tomorrow (30 May).

Whichever party forms the next government, they will need to urgently address London's challenges - especially the worsening housing crisis.

London Councils Chair Cllr Georgia Gould,in a letter published in the Financial Times last week ( [link removed] ), said: "London's future growth is integral to the UK's economic prospects. Whichever party forms the next government, it will be crucial to address the capital's immense challenges.

"Despite its resillience, London's worsening shortage of affordable housing represents a critical threat to the capital's cohesion and success - both economically and socially.

"We estimate one in 50 Londoners is homeless and living in temporary accommodation arranged by their local borough. The grim reality of the situation is even more stark when it comes to families with children, with on average at least one homeless child in every London classroom. The impact on individuals is severe and the cost to local authorities is unsustainable. The housing crisis poses a significant challenge to our goal of inclusive economic growth.

"A new growth plan for London offers the opportunity to boost housebuilding in the capital, creating new jobs and improving the supply of affordable housing. Boroughs stand ready to work with the mayor of London and national government to deliver on these ambitions."

Simpler recycling reforms welcome

Reforms recently announced by Recycling Minister Robbie Moore to make recycling simpler and more consistent ( [link removed] ) have been welcomed by London Councils.

London Councils' Executive member for Climate, Transport and Environment Cllr Kieron Williams said; "We welcome the government's simpler recycling reforms, including easier recycling and regular food waste collections - however, there is further to go in the approach to residual waste collections.

Read: Join the conversation on waste reform, by Cllr Williams (Municipal Journal). ( [link removed] )

Consultation on the Pan-London Grants Programme 2026-2030

London Councils is inviting people and organisations across the capital to respond to a new consultation on the future of the next phase of its Grants Programme.

London boroughs and the City of London Corporation jointly fund the London Councils Grants Programme and decide its priorities. The consultation is seeking views on a potential 2026-2030 phase of the Programme. It will run until 4 June, after which responses will be reviewed by the members of the Grants Committee and incorporated into their decision-making process.

You can find out more and respond here ( [link removed] ).

Pre-election pause

As with previous elections, London Councils will be pausing Key Issues during the pre-election period.

The next edition of Key Issues will be with you on Wednesday 10 July.

( [link removed] )

( [link removed] )

( [link removed] )

In the news this week...

Snap election creates ‘massive challenges'
LGC ( [link removed] )

UKREiiF: Bidding round for Homes England funding ‘stagnates’ developments, managing director says
Inside Housing ( [link removed] )

London housing concerns shared
Public Sector Executive ( [link removed] )

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

What topics are you interested in? Click here to let us know ( [link removed] )

Digital inclusion leads and frontline support workers from across local government, including boroughs, VCS and health organisations are invited to attend London's Annual Digital Inclusion Conference on 19 June.

Join LOTI for this in-person day to discuss the key issues surrounding digital inclusion, including how better cross-sector partnerships can help address digital exclusion.

You can find more information and register to attend here. ( [link removed] )

Follow our socials 

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

or forward to a colleague [link removed]

( [link removed] )You can now also follow London Councils  ( [link removed] )
on Instagram ( [link removed] )

Comments or queries? Email the editor ( [email protected]?subject=Key%20Issues%3A )

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

( [link removed] )

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] )

Unsubscribe from this newsletter [link removed]