Under-fives in the capital who miss out on nursery during the Covid-19 pandemic are at risk of falling behind unless work is done to ensure they can bridge the gap in their education, according to new report published by London Councils.

Commenting on the report's findings, London Councils Executive Member for Schools and Children’s Services, Cllr Elizabeth Campbell, said: “London’s children are facing massive disruption to their early education because of the Covid-19 pandemic. If we do not act now, this could have serious consequences when they start primary school and beyond, especially for children from more deprived communities. 

“London Councils’ new report outlines a five point plan for local and national government that will reduce the impact of the turbulence of the past year on these children.

“We have recommended protecting existing nursery budgets by using last year’s headcount figures, as well as announcing long-term funding plans for maintained nursery schools to give them future certainty.

“Devolving unspent allowances to local government would also ensure money already committed to early years is not lost when it is most needed. We propose investing this funding in local initiatives to reach out to families with young children and improve attendance, as well as further supporting childcare and nursery providers at this challenging time.”

Download the full report: The best start for young Londoners: Strengthening London’s early years education offer following the Covid-19 pandemic

London Councils and the Mayor of London have launched a new taskforce to tackle digital exclusion in the capital and source new and upcycled electronic devices for adults and children in need.

The closure of schools during the latest lockdown means teaching has shifted online. While many children can continue learning remotely, many are unable to access learning resources as they lack a suitable device or a reliable internet connection.

Speaking at the launch, London Councils Cllr Georgia Gould, said: “Across London thousands of people are being unfairly excluded from education and employment because they do not have the skills, infrastructure or devices they need to get online. London boroughs are part of this vital pan-London mission to close the digital divide and enable all Londoners to access digital skills and opportunities.

“That is why I am proud that working with the Mayor and boroughs around London we have made digital access one of the core missions for London’s recovery. Creating a better future for our city means ensuring that everyone has the benefit of digital connectivity and I am excited to work with boroughs, businesses and citizens to ensure all Londoners are connected.”

You can find information on organisations providing devices and support here

You can find more information about how and where to donate devices here

Read more about the London Office of Technology & Innovation (LOTI) here

An overwhelming majority (82 per cent) of Londoners are concerned about climate change and 71 per cent agree that addressing climate change is a priority for the capital. The figures are revealed in a new report published by London Councils that explores the findings of a poll of more than 1,000 Londoners as part of Climate Action week.

The report finds that there is a strong foundation of public support for, and interest in, tackling climate change. It suggests that  public bodies should work with Londoners to ensure that they are equipped with the tools and knowledge to make sustainable choices and be an active part of a transition to net zero city.

Download the full report: What Do Londoners Think

About Climate Change? Results from London Councils' 2020 climate change polling

The government has confirmed that this year's national Census is to go ahead on 21 March.

Population estimates and projections, based on the Census, directly or indirectly influence around £6.5 billion grant funding received by London Government.

London Councils Chair Cllr Georgia Gould and the Mayor of London have this week jointly written to the head of the government's statistical services Sir Ian Diamond, to ensure the capital gets the resources needed to provide an accurate picture of London's complex and changing population.

In their letter they also warn that the timing of the snapshot survey may give not give a true picture of capital's population under normal circumstances

"We therefore ask", the letter concludes, "That ONS exercises caution in updating population estimates to 2020 and 2021 making use of all available data sources to support the estimates so that population figures in areas, such as London, are not understated and that future funding allocations are fair."

The first pan-London Violence Reduction Partnership Session was held last Wednesday 3 February, jointly hosted by London Councils and the Violence Reduction Unit.

Violence Reduction Partnerships bring together partners across boroughs' health, education and community teams and the Metropolitan Police to work collaboratively on a public health approach to tackling violence and the causes of violence.

The session focused on the role of analytical products in reducing violence in London with more than120 attendees from London’s local authorities and partner agencies across the capital. London Councils will be co-hosting future events to bring the benefits of sharing multi-disciplinary knowledge in reducing violence in the capital.

The government has also confirmed that local elections, including the Mayoral contest in London, will go ahead on 6 May 2021.

The government said that an estimated £92 million of government grant funding will be provided to local authorities for the elections; £31 million of which is an uplift to address costs associated with making the elections Covid-19 secure. The government has published a Delivery Plan setting out how the polls will be delivered in a Covid-19 secure way.

On Monday, Constitution Minister Chloe Smith, announced temporary changes to the nomination process to reduce the number of signatures that candidates are required to collect.