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Your weekly update of London local government issues

25 November 2020

Spending Review

Later today Chancellor Rishi Sunak is expected to announce the outcome of the government's spending review, setting out department’s resource and capital budgets for 2021/22. The spending review was originally intended to cover three years, but last month the Chancellor said it would now cover a single year to focus on the budgeting needs of departments and the devolved governments during the pandemic.

The announcement will be the third year in a row that local authorities will receive a one-year financial settlement and London Councils has ( [link removed] )highlighted the inefficiencies brought about by short-term funding arrangements ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) and the difficulties in planning future budgets for local services.

Adult social care as vital as NHS

London Councils has called for adult social care funding to match increases to NHS funding to safeguard London’s future resilience.

Analysis by London Councils shows that, had adult social care spending risen in line with NHS spending since 2010, an additional £800 million would be available to spend on adult social care across the capital in 2020/21.

However, even before Covid-19, London’s adult social care sector faced a funding shortfall of £130 million this year, which could expand to £600 million by 2025 unless investment is increased to meet burgeoning demand for care services.

Speaking ahead of today's Spending Review announcement, ( [link removed] )London Councils’ Executive Member for Health & Care, Cllr Damian White ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ), said: “Adult social care services have proved themselves essential in supporting so many vulnerable Londoners through the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We also know that adult social care plays a crucial role in keeping people out of hospital and relieving pressure on NHS services. The sector is an invaluable part of our health and care system – and that’s why it needs the same funding increases as the NHS.

“Providing assured, long-term investment in both health and social care is the best way of sustaining services and making sure Londoners receive the support they need in future years.”

Regional measures to return

The Prime Minister has confirmed that the three tier regional measures will return from 2 December. Regions are expected to find out which tier they are in tomorrow (Thursday 26 November).

Ahead of the announcement, a number of London MPs have questioned how the capital will be ranked when infections rates vary considerably between areas.

Responding to questions, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that London would: "Come out at the tier that is necessary and appropriate based on the public health evidence."

The latest guidance on tier restrictions, including what you can and can't do in each tier, is ( [link removed] )available on the www.gov.uk website here ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

New Merton Leader

( [link removed] )Councillor Mark Allison ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) was elected as Leader of the London Borough of Merton at a full council meeting last Wednesday (18 November).

Cllr Allison takes over from Cllr Stephen Alambritis – who is stepping down from the role after 10 years, making him Merton council’s longest-serving Leader.

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In the news...

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London boroughs face £600m adult social care shortfall by 2025
( [link removed] )LocalGov ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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London Councils seek funding parity with NHS
( [link removed] )Public Sector Executive ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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How the Social Housing White Paper will impact councils
( [link removed] )Inside Housing ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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Rishi Sunak says Spending Review will not spell austerity
( [link removed] )BBC News ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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Coronavirus: London appears to be faring better during second wave
( [link removed] )The 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] )

By the leaders blogs

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We've been publishing a series of blogs by London borough leaders as the capital responds to the challenges of Covid-19. You can read all our leaders' blogs on the website here... ( [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.
59½ Southwark Street, London SE1 0AL | [email protected] ( [email protected] )

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