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Your weekly update of London local government issues

20 May 2020

Boroughs secure PPE boost to protect vulnerable Londoners

London boroughs have agreed a new pan-London partnership to secure emergency supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) for care homes and other crucial local services on the Covid-19 frontline.

The initiative is expected to result in more than 48 million PPE items becoming available for all London local authorities to distribute in the coming weeks, as care services across London continue to face intense pressures.

Cllr Ray Puddifoot, London Councils’ Executive Member for Health & Care ( [link removed] ), said: “Boroughs are acting quickly and decisively to boost PPE supplies and ensure equipment gets to those who need it most. London’s social care is on the frontline of the Covid-19 crisis and boroughs are working flat out to protect vulnerable Londoners and the heroic social care staff supporting them.

“This new partnership means all boroughs will benefit from improved access to PPE, helping London care homes and other local services get the equipment they need. London’s boroughs have stepped up to the plate and are playing a leading role in the capital’s response to the pandemic.”

Next steps to tackle homelessness

Boroughs have called for urgent clarity from government on its planned next steps for rough sleepers, to avoid a 'cliff edge' return to homelessness once hotels return to commercial use and former rough sleepers need move on accommodation.

Cllr Darren Rodwell, London Councils’ Executive Member for Housing & Planning ( [link removed] ), said: “Since the start of the pandemic, boroughs and the GLA have worked flat out to support homeless Londoners and secure emergency accommodation for around 4,000 rough sleepers.

“In a time of immense challenge, this has been a magnificent achievement on the part of London’s homelessness services. We now have an unprecedented opportunity to build on this progress and embed a permanent reduction in rough sleeping in the capital. Otherwise, we risk rough sleepers returning to the streets – and no-one wants to see that.

“Boroughs need urgent clarity on the government’s planned next steps for funding and other support measures. We hope ministers will continue to work with councils on this crucial agenda, because together we can achieve our shared ambitions on tackling homelessness.”

London businesses respecting lockdown 

The overwhelming majority of London businesses have respected the rules on lockdown, latest data from London borough enforcement teams shows ( [link removed] ). Of the 38,808 businesses visited by trading over the past two months, 731 were failing to comply with the rules. Of these, 529 closed voluntarily when instructed to do so. Where traders haven’t complied, borough teams have issued 262 Prohibition Notices, forcing them to do so.

Councillor Clare Coghill, London Councils’ Executive Member for Business, Europe and Good Growth, said: “Boroughs are grateful for all the businesses across the capital that put the wellbeing of their communities first by complying with the restrictions introduced since the coronavirus outbreak.

"Covid-19 clearly remains a massive challenge. We understand businesses want to get back up and running, but this must only be when it is safe to do so. Although lockdown guidance has recently changed, it remains unsafe for certain businesses and venues to open to the public.

“We need London’s businesses to keep sticking to the rules. Boroughs’ trading standards teams will continue working with businesses and help ensure that measures which are so important for protecting public health are respected.”

Let's keep clean air gains

London is seeing clear improvements to air quality and traffic levels as fewer people use cars and increasingly make the switch to other forms of travel - such as walking and cycling.

London’s boroughs have long been champions of walking and cycling - with many responding to the coronavirus pandemic by introducing emergency measures to support people walking and cycling for essential journeys.

We are urging Londoners who need to travel right now to use cleaner, greener forms of transport such as walking and cycling as their first choice. Cars should only be used where there is no viable alternative, given the walking and cycling infrastructure we have in the capital and the health and environmental benefits of active travel.

Freedom Pass

Restrictions on the use of Freedom Passes on the TfL network at busy times were announced as part of TfL’s financial support package from government. The details of this measure have not yet been finalised and London Councils is seeking urgent clarification from TfL and the Department for Transport.

Until clarification is received, Freedom Pass holders can continue to enjoy the full concession and extended concession on local non-TfL buses. However, London Councils continues to urge all pass holders to avoid all but essential travel and to avoid travelling at peak commuter times.

Please check the Freedom Pass website ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) for advice and updates as and when details of any changes are agreed.

Discretionary Grant Fund

London boroughs have welcomed the government's guidance ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) published last week on additional funding provided to support businesses via the Discretionary Grant Fund ( [link removed] ).

The scheme will help to protect some of London’s small businesses that have not been eligible for previously announced funding. However, there is a huge demand estimated from businesses currently struggling due to the coronavirus crisis. London Councils’ research shows London has just under half a million registered business - 495,000 businesses VAT or PAYE registered - of which 87 per cent  are micro-businesses with fewer than 10 employees. 

Boroughs have already delivered over £1.3 billion to London businesses via these initial grant programmes.
London boroughs are working hard now the guidance has been published to deliver a fair and effective grants programme to allocate the limited funds available.

Mental Health Awareness Week

The theme for this year's Mental Health Awareness week ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) (18-24 May) is kindness. London Councils has been working with London's mental health partnership ThriveLDN to ensure boroughs are able to include wellbeing cards in support parcels distributed to shielded Londoners in lockdown. The wellbeing cards include tips and guidance on maintaining good mental health and signposts to the support available to any Londoners struggling with theirs.

ThriveLDN are also supporting a number of events throughout Mental Health Awareness week, including a Zoom workshop : How can we cultivate softness in what is currently a very hard world to live in ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )? The session will take place Friday (22 May) at 2.30pm onwards. Register in advance to receive an invite to join.

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In the news...

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Boroughs join forces to purchase PPE London-wide
OnLondon ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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London Councils ask public to help keep green spaces open
PSE ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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Fears over government's plans for homeless people placed in hotels during lockdown
HuffPost UK ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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Freedom to publicise planning applications on social media welcomed
LGC ( [link removed] )

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We will deliver thousands fewer affordable homes with First Homes policy, G15 tells ministers
Inside Housing ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

By the boroughs, for the community

A snapshot of some of the work boroughs are doing to support vulnerable people, improve lives and keep London going through the Covid-19 pandemic ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Leaders' Blogs

Read Kensington and Chelsea Leader Cllr Elizabeth Campbell's lockdown blogpost ( [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] )

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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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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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