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Your weekly update of London local government issues

03 February 2021

Race Equality Week

This week (1-7 February) is ( [link removed] )Race Equality Week ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ), a UK-wide initiative, uniting hundreds of organisations and individuals in activity to address the barriers facing race equality in the workplace.

In July 2020 London Councils initiated a  pan-London work programme, led by Hammersmith & Fulham chief executive Kim Smith, to support councils in tackling racial inequality. And in October, the capital's council leaders agreed a joint statement of intent. You can read more the work programme and the joint statement here ( [link removed] ).

London Councils recently launched a newsletter to keep stakeholders up-to-date with the ongoing work to address inequalities. If you would like to be added to the mailing list please email Tom Pickup ( [email protected]?campaignkw=Tom ) ( [email protected]?campaignkw=Tom ) ( [email protected]?campaignkw=Tom )

Surge testing

Public Health England (PHE) has identified that there may be spread of a new variant of Covid-19, first identified in South Africa, in a small number of localities across England

Working in partnership with local authorities, PHE are targeting additional testing in specific postcode areas where the variant has been found. In London these postcodes are W7, N17 and CR4.

Additional testing resources will include Mobile Testing Units being sent to those areas and additional home testing kits being distributed directly to homes via door-to-door drops. People with symptoms should continue to book a test in the normal way.

( [link removed] )For the latest information, please visit the PHE Coronavirus Resource Centre ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Business 1000 poll results 

Half of London's business leaders see cashflow as the main threat to business recovery from Covid-19 and
84 per cent are less confident about London’s economy than they were a year ago. Those are among the headline findings of the latest ( [link removed] )Business 1000 survey ( [link removed] ). ( [link removed] )

The fourth annual survey, undertaken by YouGov on behalf of London Councils and the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) polled 1,250 business leaders across the capital on topics including: business confidence; skills, apprenticeships and recruitment; remote working; and climate change. The poll provides a unique insight into London’s business leaders’ views as we plan for the economic recovery for the capital

( [link removed] )You can download a summary of the poll findings here ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ).

Opportunity London

The 2021 edition of Opportunity London has been published this week.

The report provides an overview on the key development strategies and areas of opportunity across all 32 London boroughs and the City of London, alongside industry viewpoints on the issues most pertinent to local authorities in delivering growth and renewal.

You can read or download a copy here ( [link removed] ).

Wandsworth and Richmond chief executive to leave in March

Wandsworth and Richmond chief executive Paul Martin has announced he will be stepping down from his role in March, to take up a new post as chief executive of the Government of Jersey.

Wandsworth Leader Cllr Ravi Govindia, said: “Paul has led an exceptional group of officers to support our community and enhance Wandsworth’s reputation as an exemplar in the way it has risen to these challenges and he leaves a remarkable record of sound achievement. I would like to thank Paul for his eleven years of service here and wish him every success for the future.”

Richmond Leader Cllr Gareth Roberts, said: “Paul has been a steady hand on the tiller as we navigated our way through the Shared Staffing arrangement with Wandsworth and the perils of the pandemic. His professionalism and dedication to effective governance has ensured Richmond Council is on a strong footing as we move forward [...] I would like to thank Paul for everything he has done to lead our tremendous group of staff."

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In the news...

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Vaccine hesitancy in London, interview with Cllr Georgia Gould

( [link removed] )BBC Newsnight ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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Mass coronavirus testing rolling out in London and other parts of UK after more than 100 cases of South African variant detected
( [link removed] )Evening Standard ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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Legal advice sought in fight to keep remote meetings
( [link removed] )The MJ ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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Upskilling employees’ digital skills is the highest priority for London businesses in training their own workforce
( [link removed] )FE News ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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Ministers plan extra cash to remove unsafe cladding
( [link removed] )BBC News ( [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

We've been publishing a series of blogs by London borough leaders as the capital responds to the challenges of Covid-19.  ( [link removed] )You can read all our leaders' blogs on the website here... ( [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 advice:

National lockdown:
Stay at Home ( [link removed] )

Staying safe outside your home ( [link removed] ) ( [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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