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Your weekly London local government update

17 Dec 25

Government's National Plan to End Homelessness is welcome news

Last week the government published its National Plan to End Homelessness ( [link removed] ), which included pledges to to halve the number of people sleeping rough long-term by the end of this parliament, and end the unlawful use of B&Bs as temporary accommodation for families.

Responding to the announcement, London Councils’ Executive Member for Housing & Regeneration, Cllr Grace Williams ( [link removed] ), said: “London is grappling with the most severe homelessness emergency in the country. We estimate one in 50 Londoners currently live in temporary accommodation, with at least one homeless child in every London classroom.

“Boroughs welcome this new national strategy from the government. We are particularly pleased that the strategy takes a cross-departmental approach, acknowledges the urgent need to get homeless families out of inappropriate temporary accommodation, and brings a much-needed funding boost for homelessness services.

“Reversing the rising tide of homelessness should certainly be a national priority and will not happen overnight. Further action will be needed and we remain extremely concerned about the unsustainable pressures on London boroughs’ temporary accommodation resources. We will continue to highlight the challenges in the capital and work with ministers on tackling this crisis.”

The national strategy comes after London Councils and the Mayor of London announced the launch of the Ending Homelessness Accelerator Programme, ( [link removed] ) which has secured funding support from the government. As policy priorities for making faster progress, London Councils is seeking:

Help meeting London’s spiralling temporary accommodation bill. A boost to Local Housing Allowance rates across the board.Additional capital funding for councils to build or buy homes.Action to sustain social housing finances and enable expanded delivery of homes for social rent.

Zipcar withdrawal

Following the announcement by car-sharing platform Zipcar that it is to close its UK operations by the end of the year, Chair of London Councils' Transport and Environment Committee, Mayor Brenda Dacres OBE ( [link removed] ), said: "Car clubs are an important part of London's transport offer. They provide people who primarily rely on public transport and active travel access to a car or van when needed, helping reduce unnecessary car usage and lower carbon emissions.

"The  announcement that Zipcar intends to close its UK operations is an issue of considerable concern for boroughs and for those residents who currently rely on their services. London boroughs have worked constructively with Zipcar for more than 20 years, making thousands of parking bays and EV charging points available through locally-negotiated arrangements.

"We are working closely with boroughs, City Hall and Transport for London to understand the immediate impact of Zipcar's withdrawal and explore options to address the gap in provision this will create."

Political peerages

Lewisham Mayor Brenda Dacres is among the 25 new members of the House of Lords nominated in the December 2025 Political Peerages ( [link removed] ).

Other current and former London borough members nominated for a peerage include: Peter John OBE - former Southwark Leader and former Chair of London Councils; Cllr Dr Sara Hyde - Islington council’s Executive Member for Health and Social Care; Brent councillor, Cllr Shama Tatler; former Southwark councillor Peter Babudu, former Lewisham councillor John Russell and former Islington councillor Sarah Teather.

Freedom Pass renewals

If you know someone with an Older Person's Freedom Pass expiring in March 2026, they don't need to do anything. If they are still eligible, they will receive a new pass in January 2026.

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In the news this week...

London Councils welcomes new homelessness strategy
London Daily News ( [link removed] )
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£3.5bn investment to 'end homelessness for good'
The MJ ( [link removed] )
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Mayor urged to take action over Zipcar departure
BBC News ( [link removed] )
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Super flu hospital cases in London jump 47% in a week as NHS faces worst-case scenario before Christmas
The Standard ( [link removed] )
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London Councils has launched a new website for the Freedom Pass, which has been developed to enhance the experience for Freedom Pass users and features improved content, design, and layout.

You can explore the new website, which includes all you need to know, and what to do if you have changed your name or address, here ( [link removed] ).

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

London Local Government 
Directory

You can find contact details for every councillor in London in our London Government Directory here ( [link removed] ).

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

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

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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

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