More than £1 billion has been distributed to businesses by London boroughs since the government announced its business support measures at the start of April.

This weekend government announced a new discretionary fund to provide support for small businesses that may otherwise be unable to claim grants, which boroughs will administer quickly and fairly once guidance and funding levels have been published.

However, there is still more to be done for businesses who do not fit the criteria set by government and are at risk during the pandemic. London Councils has called on the government to amend their guidelines for grants to provide funding support to businesses who currently do not have adequate help.

Cllr Clare Coghill, London Councils’ Executive Member for Business, Europe & Good Growth, said: “We welcome the huge amount the government has done to date to support businesses and the self-employed but a significant number of London’s well-known and much-loved small businesses are still currently ineligible for grants, which is why we’ve called for an urgent increase to the rateable value threshold."

“Boroughs will continue to work tirelessly to support London’s businesses and make sure they receive the money they are entitled to. We urge any small business who thinks they are eligible to visit their local borough website for further information.”

Funerals in London will remain as normal as possible for as long as possible while observing social distancing regulations, however, when this cannot be sustained, London's Funeral Standards offer a set of criteria to apply in all circumstances wherever public safety and operational capacity allow.

Agreed by the London Resilience Forum, the standards are intended to provide clarity and reassurance to families facing the burial or cremation of a loved one during the current pandemic.

You can find the most up-to-date version of the London Funeral Standards here.

London boroughs are extremely concerned by the emerging evidence of Covid-19’s disproportionate impact on those from black, Asian or other minority ethnic backgrounds.

Boroughs are working hard to protect all vulnerable Londoners and to ensure that the specific needs of BAME communities are met during this hugely challenging time.

Boroughs are engaging closely with local community, faith, and voluntary sector leaders and targeting support for BAME Londoners at particular risk.  

The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted longstanding health inequalities within London, which boroughs are determined to address. This is a crucial priority for building a healthier and fairer London

University College London (UCL) is running a study into the psychological and social effects of Covid-19 in the UK.

The results are being used to understand the effects of the virus and social distancing measures on mental health and loneliness and to inform government advice and decisions.

They are looking for adults in UK who are happy to take part. Participation involves answering a 15-minute online survey now and then answering a shorter follow-up survey once a week while social isolation measures are in place.

You can find more information on the UCL Covid-19 social study and how to take part here.

Are you a care worker or care manager looking for work? Register with Proud to Care London now and help save lives in the coronavirus crisis.