Your weekly update on London local government. [link removed] viewing this? [link removed] Add to safe sender.

Your weekly London local government update

23 Apr 25

Primary Schools Offer Day 

97.9% of children due to start primary school in London this September have been offered a place at one of their preferred schools, data published by the Pan-London Admissions Board has revealed.

The Pan-London Admissions Board has overall responsibility for the school application co-ordination scheme in the capital. Membership includes representatives of the Association of London Directors of Children’s Services, the London Inter Authority Admissions Group, and the London Grid for Learning.

The Pan-London Admissions Scheme ensures that children receive an offer at the school that is highest in their list of preferences for which they are eligible under the admissions criteria. In London, offers were sent out by email during the evening of Wednesday 16 April 2025.

The Admission Board figures show that 87.9% of children applying to London schools got into their first preference school, a slight decrease of 1.2 percentage points from last year. 96.6% of London pupils – 80,706 children – were offered a place at one of their top three preferences of primary school.

London Councils’ Executive Member for Children and Young People, Cllr Ian Edwards ( [link removed] ), said: “Boroughs know that primary offer day brings very important news to young Londoners and their families. It is great to see the vast majority of children in the capital receive offers from one of their preferred primary schools.

“Overall decreases in pupil numbers can pose a challenge to schools’ resources. However, boroughs will continue working closely with schools to meet local needs and help families make the most of the high-quality educational opportunities available in the capital.”  

Renters' Rights Bill

Yesterday, the Committee Stage of the Renters’ Rights Bill ( [link removed] ) began in the House of Lords. London Councils provided a briefing to Peers setting out London local government's views on the Bill. You can read our briefing on the Renters’ Rights Bill here ( [link removed] ).

Freedom Pass renewals 

While the overwhelming majority of Freedom Passes that expired on 31 March have been renewed and users have received their new pass, customers who have not yet renewed their expired pass are reminded that they will not be able to use their existing pass beyond 1 May.

If you, or someone you know, have moved but not told us, or have not used the pass in the past two years, please ask them to check their email inbox and junk mail as we may have tried to contact them with instructions about how to renew their Freedom Pass using our online portal ( [link removed] ), which will remain open until 30 May.

If you have not received an email or letter, please contact [email protected] ( [email protected]?subject=Freedom%20Pass%20renewal%20(31%20March%20expiry) ) to discuss your next steps.

( [link removed] )

( [link removed] )

( [link removed] )

In the news this week...

Interview: London Councils chair Claire Holland on devolution, communities and local growth
OnLondon ( [link removed] )

Almost all primary school starters get top choices
BBC News ( [link removed] )

London Councils Pan-London Grants Programme 
2026-2030

London Councils is inviting proposals for the 2026-2030 Pan-London Grants Programme. The programme aims to tackle homelessness and domestic and sexual abuse, ensuring London’s most vulnerable residents receive the support they need.

You can read more about the Grants Programme and application process here. ( [link removed] )

( [link removed] )
What topics are you interested in? Click here to let us know ( [link removed] )

You can find contact details for every councillor across all 32 London boroughs and the City of London in our London Government Directory ( [link removed] )

Follow our socials 

[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]

or forward to a colleague [link removed]

Comments or queries? Email the editor ( [email protected]?subject=Key%20Issues%3A )

( [link removed] )
visit londoncouncils.gov.uk ( [link removed] )

( [link removed] )

London Councils is the collective of local government in London, the 32 boroughs and the City of London.
We also run pan-London services like Freedom Pass and Taxicard.
London Councils, 4th Floor, 12 Arthur Street, London, EC4R 9AB

| [email protected] ( [email protected] )

Unsubscribe from this newsletter [link removed]