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Your weekly update of London local government issues

22 July 2020

Universal Credit link to rent arrears

The roll-out of Universal Credit is leading to a growing number of council tenants falling behind on rent payments, according to new research from the independent think tank the Smith Institute ( www.smith-institute.org.uk/?campaignkw=Smith%20Institute ) ( www.smith-institute.org.uk/?campaignkw=Smith%20Institute ) published today.

The research ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ), which investigated rent account data from 12 London boroughs, was commissioned by Southwark Council on behalf of London Councils. It found that almost two-thirds of tenants saw a significant increase in rent arrears after claiming Universal Credit, with tenants accumulating an average of £240 in rent arrears in the 12 weeks after they first claimed.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, London Councils Executive Member for Welfare, Empowerment & Inclusion, said: This important research clearly shows that claiming Universal Credit is accompanied by a significant spike in rent arrears for the majority of council tenants. The five-week wait leads to low-income households piling up debts, which undermines Universal Credit’s effectiveness as a welfare support measure, but also contributes to the serious finance pressures faced by councils and other social landlords.

“We’re calling on the government to fulfil its pledge to ensure Universal Credit works for the most vulnerable, which must surely include every claimant unable to afford their rent due to the five-week wait. Addressing the problems caused by the five-week wait should move to the top of the policy priority list – especially since the devastating economic impact of Covid-19 means more and more households are relying on Universal Credit to pay their bills.”

Draft Building Safety Bill a positive step, but funding remains a concern

The government yesterday published the Draft Building Safety Bill, ( [link removed] )taking forward its planned reforms to the building and fire safety system. Secretary of State Robert Jenrick said that the bill represented "a significant milestone on our journey to fundamentally improving building safety and delivering real change that will keep people safer in their homes."

Cllr Darren Rodwell, London Councils Executive Member for Housing & Planning ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ), said boroughs and  residents would be relieved to see the government introducing "essential reforms and improvements to how buildings are regulated and kept safe."

But, he added “We remain concerned at the continuing lack of government support for funding safety works and remediation of dangerous cladding on high-rise blocks owned by social landlords – which is a particular challenge in London.

“While the changes set out in the draft bill are a positive step, they won’t be enough by themselves. Boroughs will continue to work with ministers and to seek the action and resources required to address our remaining concerns.”

Walking and cycling options improving

A survey by London Councils and LEDNet ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) has revealed the extent to which London boroughs are seizing opportunities to encourage more people to walk and cycle and help sustain the benefits of a cleaner and less congested city post-lockdown. Wider pavements, pop-up bike lanes, pedestrianised shopping streets and bus-only corridors are among the measures being put in place.

Cllr Claire Holland, Chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee ( [link removed] ) said: "London boroughs have been at the forefront of taking action to make our streets safer and protect our communities in response to the challenges coronavirus has posed.

“Now travel restrictions are easing, boroughs are repurposing roads and public spaces to protect people who are walking and cycling more to ensure they can continue to do so safely into the future.

“London’s environmental future depends on people making greener travel choices. By listening to Londoners and making it easier for individuals who can and want to make journeys via walking and cycling to do so, we can pursue a green recovery that will help tackle the climate emergency.”

London Office of Technology & Innovation

The London Office of Technology and Innovation (LOTI) has launched a ( [link removed] )dedicated website ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) to encourage wider collaboration on data and digital projects.

LOTI was created a year ago to help London boroughs work together, bringing the best of digital, technology and data to improve public services for Londoners. 

The new website highlights a wide range of its ongoing projects, including Covid-19 and digital democracy; the internet of things; digital apprenticeships; seamless wi-fi and information governance.

Cllr Puddifoot MBE

Last week saw the 20th anniversary of Cllr Ray Puddifoot's ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) election as Leader of Hillingdon Council.

A lifelong Hillingdon resident, Cllr Puddifoot was first elected to the council in 1998 and became Leader of the Council two years later. Cllr Puddifoot is London Councils Executive Member for Health and Social Care ( [link removed] ). He is the longest serving council leader in London and was awarded an MBE in 2012 for his services to the community.

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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] )

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] )

and remember to follow us for all the breaking news...

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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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