Your weekly update on London local government. Problems viewing this? [link removed] Add to safe sender.

Your weekly update of London local government issues

17 March 2021

Electric vehicle charging points

London boroughs are championing Londoners who want to make the switch to electric vehicles through the delivery of more than 3,000 on-street charge points in residential areas. This makes up nearly half of the 6,500 charge point devices delivered across the capital in the last two years.

Delivery has been propelled through the ( [link removed] )Go Ultra Low City Scheme (GULCS) ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ), a nationwide programme funded by the Office for Zero Emissions Vehicles (OZEV), established to increase electric vehicle uptake and tackle the dangers of air pollution.

The GULCS London programme has provided boroughs with more than £7 million funding for the delivery of charge points in residential areas and is managed by London Councils, the Greater London Authority and TfL.

Bridging the digital divide 

London Councils is encouraging councils with old technology to dispose of to consider donating them for reuse by the digitally excluded.

The value of online connectivity and access to technology has been highlighted over the past year. However, there is an ongoing challenge to ensure everyone has access to technology.  

( [link removed] )SocialBox.Biz ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) is one organisation which seeks to bridge the digital divide and help both isolated and lonely Londoners connect with loved ones and access online content such as learning materials. They have teamed up with Age UK and other charity partners to help provide vulnerable and isolated Londoners with technology during the pandemic in order to help keep individuals connected.

Through their Laptops for Homeless and Vulnerable Initiative, they are looking for donations of old technology that is no longer needed, but still useful. Councils and organisations can donate laptops as well as screens, keyboards, telephones and other ICT. Please contact ( mailto:[email protected]?subject=Key%20Issues%3A )SocialBox.Biz ( mailto:[email protected]?subject=Key%20Issues%3A ) ( mailto:[email protected]?subject=Key%20Issues%3A ) to discuss further if you think you have suitable items to donate.

Boroughs offer assurance on polling plans

London boroughs are working with the GLA and Electoral Commission to ensure all vote counts for the London Mayoral and local by-elections on 6 May proceed safely 

We can reassure Londoners than we have plans in place that prioritise public health and protect the democratic process. Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, we believe there will be enough members of staff to deliver the elections.

Pre-election period of restricted activity

Today's edition of Key Issues will be the last before the upcoming London Mayoral election and local by-elections due to take place on Thursday 6 May. We will resume publication on Wednesday 12 May.

Share this...

[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]

or forward to a colleague [link removed]

In the news...

( [link removed] )

Safer streets fund doubled after death of Sarah Everard
( [link removed] )LGC ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

( [link removed] )

Muhammed Butt: We must show local leadership in tackling racial inequality
( [link removed] )LGC ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

( [link removed] )

London’s homeless services get 80% of rough sleepers off streets ‘for good’
( [link removed] )Big Issue ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

( [link removed] )

Budget cuts planned for social care as councils count cost of pandemic, public spending watchdog finds
( [link removed] )Community Care ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

( [link removed] )

Landmark judgement brings rough sleeping clarity
( [link removed] )MJ ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

( [link removed] )

Air pollution is an invisible killer and a dangerous reality for Londoners
( [link removed] )City AM ( [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. You can read the latest blog, from City of Westminster Leader Cllr Rachael Robathan 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 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...

( [link removed] )
( [link removed] )

Comments or queries? Email the editor ( [email protected]?subject=Key%20Issues%3A )

visit londoncouncils.gov.uk ( [link removed] )

( [link removed] )

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] )

Unsubscribe from this newsletter [link removed]