Climate change placing unprecedented pressure on emergency services, London leaders warn
Leaders in London local government and regional emergency services have warned that climate change and summer heatwaves are placing unprecedented pressure on emergency services in the capital.
Last week, London sweltered in its fifth heatwave of the summer and emergency services, including fire and rescue and ambulance services, experienced unprecedented demand. In response, London leaders and experts urged Londoners to take extra precautions to ensure that emergency services are able to cope with these additional demands.
Cllr Paul Osborn, London Councils' Executive Member for Transport and Environment, said: “It's clear that London’s emergency services are under severe pressure during this particularly hot and dry summer, responding to the additional risks that extreme heat brings. At a time when services are already stretched, it’s vital that we all do our bit as Londoners to look after ourselves and each other and help keep emergency services available for those who need them most.
“Whether it’s taking care in the heat, avoiding activities that could start a wildfire or staying safe around open water, there are simple steps we can all take to reduce the risk of emergencies. Please follow the advice from our emergency services and look out for those around you.”
Read the Mayor of London's full press release here, and see the London Fire Brigade's wildfire safety advice, as well as NHS guidance on how to cope with hot weather.
Summer knife amnesty scheme relaunched across London
The Home Office has relaunched its Summer Surrender Scheme for 2026, supported by the Metropolitan Police Service, providing knife amnesty points across London to keep Londoners safe this summer.
Running until 31 August, the scheme aims to reduce the number of knives and bladed articles in circulation by providing members of the public with safe and anonymous opportunities to surrender unwanted weapons.
As part of the campaign, the FazAmnesty knife surrender van will be deployed across London every week from Tuesday to Friday (10am to 6pm) throughout August, including during the Notting Hill Carnival period. The van offers a safe and anonymous route for individuals to dispose of knives and other bladed articles without fear of prosecution for simple possession at the point of surrender. Please note that, unlike previous campaigns, there is no compensation scheme in place this year.
In addition to the mobile surrender van, members of the public can also use the permanent Word 4 Weapons knife surrender bins located across London. These bins provide a year-round opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted knives and weapons. Locations can be found here.
Have your say on the future of National Lottery Good Causes funding
Arts Council England is encouraging local authorities, cultural organisations and communities to respond to the Government's 12-week Call for Evidence on the future distribution of National Lottery Good Causes funding.
The consultation, which closes at 12 noon on 23 September 2026, is an opportunity to influence how this important source of funding supports communities across England in the years ahead.
Arts Council England is asking stakeholders to complete the consultation individually and on behalf of their organisations, and to share the opportunity with staff, networks and local communities. Respondents are encouraged to include local examples and evidence demonstrating the impact of National Lottery investment in their area.
Useful resources, including National Lottery grants data and the Arts Council's Culture and Place Data Explorer, are available to help organisations identify local case studies and evidence.
Deadline: 23 September 2026 (12 noon).
|
|
In the media...
What are the Royal Parks doing to cut the risk of grassfires?
The BBC
Thames Barrier may need £20bn replacement far sooner than expected
FT
The case for fundamental reform of adult social care
The MJ
Londoners wary of Live Facial Recognition rollout as operations trialled at major transport hubs
The Standard
Questions over link between welfare and rent increases
The MJ
Sales of London new build homes plummet: Why is nobody buying them?
The Standard
Mapped: How proud people are of their area
LGC
|
