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Your weekly update of London local government issues

4 September 2019

Services in need of Spending Round boost

Local services relied on by millions of vulnerable Londoners are in desperate need of more funding in today's Spending Round, London Councils has warned.

“London boroughs are struggling to meet the needs of millions of vulnerable Londoners - including 55,000 homeless families living in temporary accommodation, 700,000 children living in poverty and a population of adults aged 65 and over that is set to grow 60 per cent by 2040", said Cllr Peter John OBE ( [link removed] ), chair of London Councils.

“An above-inflation increase in funding for local government along with greater future certainty would strengthen local services across the country, benefitting millions of people - including more than 9 million Londoners.

“Investing in children’s social care, SEND support, adult social care and homelessness prevention is also a priority as growing demand is threatening to overwhelm London boroughs and destabilise local services.

“We hope that the government recognises the significant levels of need in the capital and across the country by using the Spending Round to avert a crisis in local public services.”

You can read London Councils' representation to the Treasury in full here ( [link removed] ).

Apprenticeship Awards 2019

The impact of apprentices across London local government and the work of the London boroughs to promote successful apprenticeship opportunities were celebrated at the 2019 London Borough Apprenticeship Awards yesterday.

Speaking at the ceremony at the Apothecary’s Hall in the City of London, Cllr Georgia Gould ( [link removed] ), London Councils' executive member for skills and employment, said: "Apprenticeships are powerful examples of what local government can do to strengthen the community it represents and serves.

"These programmes create meaningful opportunities for individuals of all ages, levels of experience, and backgrounds, providing invaluable upskilling and training for a diverse number of career paths."

Danny Dowling from the London Borough of Southwark was named Apprentice of the Year - you can find a full list of winners in all the categories here ( [link removed] ).

Latest HIV statistics confirm real progress

New data from Public Health England ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) published yesterday showing that overall new diagnoses of HIV in London fell 42 per cent between 2015 and 2018 has been welcomed by London Councils.

“These latest figures are fantastic news and show that London continues to make great progress on reducing HIV rates", said Cllr Ray Puddifoot ( [link removed] ), London Councils’ executive member for health and care.

“We’re immensely proud of the contribution made by the boroughs’ collaborative London HIV Prevention Programme and the Do It London ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) campaign. By working efficiently and effectively together, boroughs ensure clear and consistent messages are communicated to Londoners about the importance of testing and protection."

New report highlights economic case for restoring LHA rates

London Councils has welcomed new research highlighting the economic benefits of restoring Local Housing Allowance (LHA) levels to cover rents and reduce homelessness.

Cllr Muhammed Butt ( [link removed] ), London Councils’ executive member for welfare, empowerment and inclusion, said: “The LHA freeze is a counterproductive policy that is driving up homelessness rates in the capital.

“This research is the latest evidence of why the government should restore LHA levels to cover at least 30 per cent of local private sector rents, as this would improve accommodation options for low-income Londoners and ease the pressure on household finances."

The full report: 'Cover the Cost' is available to read or download here ( [link removed] ) ( [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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