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Your weekly update of London local government issues

29 April 2020

Proud to Care London

More than 800 people keen to ensure vulnerable Londoners affected by the coronavirus pandemic receive the care and support they need registered for Proud to Care London ( [link removed] ) in the first week of the campaign.

The campaign – a partnership between councils across London – saw 823 people register to provide essential care in communities across the capital, with around 50 per cent coming from people with existing care experience.

London Councils’ Executive Member for Health & Care, Cllr Ray Puddifoot ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ), said: “The response since the launch of this campaign has been hugely positive and these new roles will provide much needed assistance to frontline workers already looking after vulnerable people in this difficult time. 

“As the pandemic continues there will be a growing number of people across London who will need additional support and the correct care, meaning this ongoing urgent recruitment to the sector is vital.

“Thank you to all those who have already registered. If you believe you can make a difference and help care for someone who needs it, make sure to register with Proud to Care London.”

You can find out more - and register - on the Proud to Care London website here. ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Report coronavirus crooks

Londoners have been urged to remain vigilant for unscrupulous criminals exploiting fears about Covid-19 and report any concerns to their local Trading Standards, to support the boroughs’ clampdown on consumer crime.  

Borough officers are aware of numerous scams seeking to benefit from Londoners’ concerns during the pandemic, with around double the usual number of consumer crime reports received since the start of March. Known scams include: criminals targeting care homes and others taking money for fake Covid-19 test kits; fake sanitisers and swabbing kits being sold online and door-to-door; and fake online resources – such as false coronavirus maps - that download malware when opened.

London Councils’ Executive Member for Crime & Public Protection, Cllr Danny Thorpe ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ), said: “While the Covid-19 emergency has brought out the best in the vast majority of Londoners, unfortunately there are also coronavirus crooks seeking to exploit people’s concerns during this difficult time.

“Boroughs have zero tolerance for this reprehensible behaviour. We’re taking robust action against these criminals – and Londoners can help by staying vigilant and reporting any consumer crimes to the authorities.”

Londoners can report concerns about fake products or false claims made about products to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice consumer service helpline on 0808 223 1133. Suspected frauds can be reported to Action Fraud helpline on 0300 123 2040 or via the website here ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ).

Domestic abuse escalating

A Women’s Aid Survivor Survey ( [link removed] ), published ahead of the domestic abuse bill’s second reading today ( [link removed] ), reveals that more than two-thirds of survivors say domestic abuse is escalating under lockdown - and 72 per cent said that their abuser has more control over their life since isolation measures were introduced.

Tackling sexual and domestic violence (alongside reducing homelessness) is one of the key priorities for the pan-London grants programme  All 32 London boroughs and the City of London contribute to the grants programme, which is run on their behalf by London Councils. You can find out more about the grants programme and the work it supports on London Councils' website. ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Lorry Control Scheme suspension extended

London Councils has told hauliers it will extend its suspension of enforcement of the London Lorry Control Scheme (LLCS) ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) until 31 May 2020, to help the freight and logistics industry cope with ongoing pressures, as they work hard to keep London’s essential shops and services supplied through these challenging times.

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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] )

London Government Directory 2020

We're currently testing an updated version of the London Government Directory. Try it here and let us know what you think ( [link removed] )

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Sponsored by: London Communications Agency ( [link removed] )

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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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