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Your weekly update of London local government issues

02 September 2020

London rate remains low but rising among 20-29 year-olds

( [link removed] )Weekly statistics published by Public Health England (PHE) ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) show Covid-19 infection rates remain low in London compared to other parts of the country, but the last two weeks have seen an increase in positive tests among 20-29 year-olds in the capital.

PHE London deputy regional director Professor Paul Pant said: "Rates of Covid-19 in young people have been rising over the past two weeks in London and the highest number of positive test results are now among people aged 20-29 across the city. This contrasts with overall rates for London boroughs which remain low compared to other parts of the country but we are concerned about this increase in Londoners in their twenties.

"Lockdown has been a tough time especially for young people and we know many are now enjoying the benefits of being able to go on holiday, eat meals out, go shopping and see family and friends again, but it's crucial that we do these fun things safely. Even if you are in a lower risk age group, please keep London safe for everyone by following government advice on social distancing, self isolation, wearing face coverings and practicing good hand hygiene so we can keep coronavirus at bay and avoid the possibility of local lockdown."

Boroughs support businesses

Since the government announced its business support measures at the start of April, London boroughs have distributed £1.6 billion to around 108,000 businesses. To date, London businesses have received a higher share of funding than those outside the capital (96.1 per cent share of funding paid so far in comparison to the England average of 88.8 per cent). 

In the week of 17 August London boroughs provided an additional 1,194 grants and £16.7 million to London businesses.

However, demand from London businesses is proving far greater than the additional funding available to boroughs. London Councils is currently undertaking a review of the discretionary grant scheme in London to better understand the additional support needed by local businesses.

There is still more to be done for businesses who do not fit the grant funding criteria set by government, especially those in the supply chain for hardest-hit sectors such as retail, hospitality and leisure. In London, an increase to the rateable value threshold would ensure more London businesses are eligible for support.

We urge any small business who thinks they should be receiving grants to visit their local borough website for further information.

More than 100 digital apprentices recruited across London boroughs 

The ( [link removed] )London Office of Technology and Innovation (LOTI) ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) has exceeded its target of recruiting 100 digital apprentices in its member boroughs by September 2020.

LOTI, which was launched in 2019 as a collaboration between London local authorities with the support of the Mayor of London, had set itself this goal as part of its commitment to building the digital talent pool in London’s public services.

( [link removed] )Eddie Copeland, Director of LOTI, ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) said the milestone was a testament to borough's commitment to developing talent "and ensuring they have the skills to be truly internet-era organisations."

“Technology and data are increasingly important to our lives, including the delivery of local public services", he said. "Digital apprenticeship programmes are key for boroughs boosting local digital skills and making the most out of technology and innovation.”

Croydon chief executive

Croydon has ( [link removed] )announced ( [link removed] ) that chief executive Jo Negrini is to leave the council after four years in the role.

Croydon council leader Cllr Tony Newman said: “I want to thank Jo for her dedicated service to Croydon. She has led the council through some really challenging times; her work delivering the council response to the tram crash was exceptional, as was her role in supporting our journey to a good Ofsted rating for our children’s services, and more recently heading up the council’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. I would like to wish her all the best for the future.”

London Councils' Executive

London Councils' Executive will next meet on 8 September. Items on the agenda include: tackling inequalities in London; an update on the impact of Covid-19 on local government finance and London local government's role in recovery and renewal.

( [link removed] )You can read full agenda and download reports here ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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London West End retailers pitch for help in tempting back shoppers
( [link removed] )Financial Times (£) ( [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] )

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

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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