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Your weekly update of London local government issues

17 June 2020

Boroughs support safe reopening of London’s high streets

Boroughs are asking residents to play their part in helping local high streets and businesses get back on their feet, boosting the local economy and potentially creating jobs and services for London’s communities.

Cllr Clare Coghill, London Councils Executive Member for Business, Europe and Good Growth ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) said: “As boroughs cautiously look to reopen London’s diverse high streets with safety as a top priority, Londoners now have a real opportunity to support and celebrate their local traders.

“The phased reopening of non-essential retail businesses from 15 June will bring some more normalcy to the lives of Londoners. While we are all spending more time at home, now is the perfect time to explore local shops that we may not have had the chance to before and to support much-loved businesses we know well.

“If we stick to social distancing and follow the robust safety systems shops have worked hard to implement, we can safely make a conscious choice to shop locally, protecting local businesses and even supporting growth in these challenging times.”

Grenfell three years on

This weekend saw buildings across the capital illuminated green to commemorate the 72 people who lost their lives in a fire at Grenfell Tower on 14 June 2017.

Last week the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) reported that there are still 2,000 high-risk residential buildings with some form of dangerous cladding. The MPs said that the money the government had made available so far would only cover the cost of removing cladding from around a third of the buildings in need of remediation.

Responding to the select committee report, London Councils’ Executive Member for Housing & Planning, Cllr Darren Rodwell ( [link removed] ), said: “We can’t afford any penny pinching when it comes to fire safety.

“While we certainly welcome the government grants made available to councils so far, they only pay for the remediation of ACM cladding. The £1 billion Building Safety Fund for remediation of non-ACM external wall systems largely excludes social landlords such as councils, which is hugely frustrating.

“Boroughs’ finances are already under immense pressure due to years of funding reductions and now the impact of Covid-19. It’s unsustainable to expect local government and the wider social housing sector to absorb the vast majority of these costs themselves, which would only scale back spending in other vital areas - like investment in desperately needed new housing.”

Loneliness Awareness week

This week (15-19 June) marks the fourth annual Loneliness Awareness Week ( [link removed] ). At a time when the coronavirus pandemic has entrenched isolation for many people, London's mental health partnership Thrive LDN has published a blog ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) highlighting a number of virtual ways to connect.

Face covering is now compulsory on public transport

From Monday 15 June, passengers are required to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth when travelling on public transport. People who have trouble breathing, children under 3 years-old and anyone who finds it difficult to manage them correctly are exempt.

You can find full guidance on the rules as well as advice on making your own face covering here ( [link removed] ).

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In the news...

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London’s ‘non-essential’ shops begin emergence from Covid lockdown
OnLondon ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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Staff on hand to ensure social distancing as high streets reopen
LGC ( [link removed] )

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London's businesses can lead a UK-wide economic recovery
City AM ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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London Councils and the FSB calls on landlords to ‘do the right thing’
London Loves Property ( [link removed] )

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Port-of-entry councils welcome cash boost for unaccompanied children and care leavers but call for more
Community Care ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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Right to buy receipts rules relaxed temporarily – but long term reform deferred again
LGC ( [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 Southwark Council Leader Cllr Peter John's blog post here ( [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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Sponsored by: London Communications Agency ( [link removed] )

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

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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