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Your weekly update of London local government issues

13 May 2020

Food alliance feeds vulnerable Londoners 

London’s boroughs are joining forces to distribute food to the capital’s most vulnerable residents through local food hubs.

Each hub is stocked with food received from the London Food Alliance, formed of the capital’s three largest food redistribution charities, The Felix Project, FareShare and City Harvest, before it is delivered to local communities.

Teams of volunteers receive the food deliveries, package them into parcels and deliver them to the doors of vulnerable Londoners as well as to local foodbanks, charities and community centres.

London’s local authorities have already delivered more than 50,000 packages to the most vulnerable in the capital and responded to more than 65,000 additional requests for food aid, which includes food vouchers, financial support or signposting toward other food aid groups.

The Strategic Coordination Group (SCG), the body leading London’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak, is coordinating the programme alongside boroughs and the London Food Alliance.

Cllr Peter John OBE, Chair of London Councils ( [link removed] ), said:
“London boroughs and volunteers are working tirelessly to support their local communities and the pan-London network of food hubs is a crucial part of our response to the crisis.

“In the face of extreme pressures, London can be proud of this programme’s achievements and the support provided to vulnerable Londoners at this difficult time.”

Health inequalities must be addressed

London Councils has highlighted the critical need to reduce health inequalities in the capital, following the publication of the latest data from the Office for National Statistics ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) (ONS), which points to the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on those from black, Asian or other minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds

Cllr Muhammed Butt, London Councils’ Executive Member for Welfare, Empowerment and Inclusion ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ), said: “We’re extremely concerned by the emerging evidence of Covid-19’s disproportionate impact on BAME Londoners.

“Every coronavirus death is a tragedy involving individual factors that are often complex. But the ONS research points to an unmistakable trend – and these appalling figures highlight London’s longstanding health inequalities.

“Boroughs are working hard to protect all vulnerable Londoners during this hugely challenging time. We’re engaging closely with local community, faith and voluntary sector leaders to ensure that the specific needs of BAME Londoners are met.

“While boroughs are determined to address these inequalities, we need to see national policy changes on a range of issues – including investment in public health, housing, and welfare – that are essential for building a healthier and fairer London. The Covid-19 pandemic is a clear prompt for a shift in approach.”

Household Waste and Recycling Centres

The government has published guidance for councils on the reopening of Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs) – where people can recycle larger household waste items. Councils had closed these facilities to reduce non-essential journeys in line with coronavirus social distancing guidance.

Cllr Julian Bell, Chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ), said: “London boroughs are making plans to reopen household waste and recycling centres as soon as possible, with the majority aiming to reopen sites this week.

“The safety of Londoners and borough workers is paramount, which is why HWRCs are unlikely to re-open at exactly the same time or run at full capacity due to social distancing guidelines and pressures on staff and local roads. Boroughs may also introduce new measures such as pre-booked timeslots or change opening times where necessary.

“We ask Londoners to help us keep these services running smoothly by only visiting a HWRC when it is absolutely essential, planning visits carefully by checking borough websites, practicing social distancing and good hygiene while on site and treating all HWRC workers with respect.”

Call for education or training guarantee

With around 100,000 16 to 25 year-olds due to leave school or college and enter the jobs market this September, the Association of Colleges (AoC) is predicting that half of them may struggle to find meaningful employment as the economic shocks of Covid-19 continue to be felt.

AoC’s chief executive David Hughes ( [link removed] ) is calling on Secretary of State for Education Gavin Williamson to deliver a new ‘September Promise’ guaranteeing access to high quality education or training places this autumn to every young person who wants one.

“We know from previous recessions that disadvantaged young people disproportionately suffer, not just in the immediate aftermath of an economic downturn, but often for the rest of their lives", he said. "A ‘September Promise’ of high quality education and training would reduce the risk of long term economic scarring, and make sure that businesses have the skilled workforce needed to facilitate economic growth."

Lockdown design lessons

Bartlett School of Planning are conducting a survey to understand how well, or poorly, the design of our homes and neighbourhoods have been supporting us during the period of lockdown and how we should be designing or adapting our homes and their environments for everyday life in the future.

The survey has been developed by University College London (UCL), Urban Design London, Good Homes Alliance and Place Alliance, supported by the Town and Country Planning Association and Civic Trust.

If you'd like to take part, you can find the survey here ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ).

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In the news...

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London boroughs to collaborate on project to feed the vulnerable
ITV News ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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ONS - Black people four times more likely to die from COVID-19 than whites ( [link removed] )
The MJ ( [link removed] )

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Londoners ‘stoic’ under lockdown and may embrace new ways of working and commuting
OnLondon ( [link removed] )

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Councils embark on mission impossible: finding permanent homes for rough sleepers
LGC ( [link removed] )

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London crams in 10 times as many people as next most packed city
Evening Standard ( [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:

Staying safe outside your home ( [link removed] ) ( [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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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.
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