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Your weekly update of London local government issues

26 May 2021

George Floyd: One Year On

Yesterday (25 May) marked the anniversary of the murder of George Floyd; an event that became a global catalyst for accelerated action to tackle racial inequality and injustice.

Reflecting on the past year, London Councils Executive Member for Welfare, Empowerment and Inclusion, Cllr Muhammed Butt, says that leaders across London have expressed their support for raising their collective game on racial equality, including by signing up to ( [link removed] )a shared statement ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) at London Councils’ Leaders' Committee committing to action to create a fairer and more equal society.

There remains, however, 'a long road ahead'. ( [link removed] )You can read Cllr Butt's comments in full in the MJ here ( [link removed] ).

The housing emergency is most pressing in the capital

Responding to the publication today of the ( [link removed] )Shelter report ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ): Denied the right to a safe home: Exposing the housing emergency, London Councils Executive Member for Housing & Planning Cllr Darren Rodwell said: "The emergency is particularly severe in London, where we face the highest homelessness levels and worst housing pressures in the entire country.

“Boroughs are determined to do everything we can to ensure every Londoner has a safe and secure home – but councils need urgent government action to make this happen. Only the government can bring forward the massive investment in social housing and changes to the welfare system required to resolve the worsening crisis.”

London Councils estimates 165,000 homeless Londoners currently live in temporary accommodation arranged by their local borough – accounting for almost two-thirds of the total number across England. Around a quarter of a million Londoners are on waiting lists for council housing.

( [link removed] )Last week London Councils warned of a “triple whammy” of risks that could see homelessness rise to record levels in the coming months. ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Islington: New Leader elected

( [link removed] )Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz ( [link removed] ) was elected as the new leader of Islington Council at the borough's AGM last week (20 May).Cllr Comer-Schwartz has taken over from ( [link removed] )Cllr Richard Watts who has taken up a new role as the London Mayor's deputy chief of staff. ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Cllr Watts has resigned his council seat and a by-election will be held in Tollington ward on Thursday 1 July.

First elected to the council in 2013, Cllr Comer-Schwartz has served on the council’s executive for six years, most recently as executive member for children, young people and families and prior to that as executive member for community development. She has been deputy leader since 2020.

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In the news...

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Cllr Damian White: Surge Testing in London Boroughs:
Drivetime with Eddie Nestor
( [link removed] )BBC London Radio ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) (from 1 hr 6m 30s)

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Eight Covid areas should avoid indoor gatherings
( Covid: Eight Covid areas should avoid indoor gatherings?campaignkw=BBC%20News )BBC News ( Covid: Eight Covid areas should avoid indoor gatherings?campaignkw=BBC%20News ) ( Covid: Eight Covid areas should avoid indoor gatherings?campaignkw=BBC%20News )

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Bleak outlook for London unemployment despite strong economy bounce back
( [link removed] )OnLondon ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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E-scooter trial scheme launches in London in June
( [link removed] )ITV News ( [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] )read them all 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:

Covid-19: Guidance and support ( [link removed] )

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

Guidance for employees, employers and businesses ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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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.
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