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 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, 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.

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, 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.

A Women’s Aid Survivor Survey, published ahead of the domestic abuse bill’s second reading today, 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.

London Councils has told hauliers it will extend its suspension of enforcement of the London Lorry Control Scheme (LLCS) 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.