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Your weekly London local government update

7 Jan 26

Boroughs call for £3 per week social rent convergence

The government’s upcoming decision on social rent convergence will “lay the financial foundations” for building thousands of new council homes in the capital and stabilising social housing budgets, London boroughs have declared.

With the government set to confirm its policy this month, the cross-party London Councils group is asking the government to enable a social rent convergence rate of at least £3 per week from April 2026.  

Rent convergence, which was government policy between 2002 and 2015, helps ensure residents in similar socially rented properties pay the same rent.

Cllr Grace Williams, London Councils’ Executive Member for Housing & Regeneration ( [link removed] ), said: “Boroughs want to boost investment in council housing, but instead we face stark budget pressures and real-terms cuts.

“We hope 2026 will be the year we turn around the crisis in council housing finances, and rent convergence should be an integral part of that. If the government enable us to introduce a rent convergence rate of £3 per week from April, this will lay the financial foundations of a much better future for London council housing.

“Boroughs are determined to work with ministers to deliver on our shared ambitions for housing. This includes making sure social rent levels are fair for tenants, put budgets in a healthier position, and bring investment for the much-needed new social homes that will help reduce homelessness and boost economic growth.  

“But without rent convergence at an adequate rate, we fear continuing budget shortfalls holding back delivery of the new council homes we all want to see.”  

New Year's Honours

Cllr Claire Holland, Chair of London Councils and Leader of Lambeth Council, has been awarded an OBE in recognition of her contribution to local government and public service.

A councillor for Oval in the London Borough of Lambeth since 2014, Claire became Leader of the Council in 2021.

Cllr Claire Holland, Chair of London Councils, said ( [link removed] ): "I am extremely honoured to be awarded an OBE from His Majesty the King. It is a very humbling and proud moment to be recognised in this way. I will use this OBE as motivation to continue working hard on the front line of service delivery across London, supporting those most in need, and building a better future where all Londoners can achieve their ambitions."

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...

Call for rent convergence to stave off housing cuts

The MJ ( [link removed] )
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What changes are being made to London's transport system in 2026?

BBC News ( [link removed] )
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Nearly a third of Londoners struggle to afford basic hygiene products

The Standard ( [link removed] )
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Lambeth: Leader awarded OBE in New Years Honours List

Love Lambeth ( [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.

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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.
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