Following the publication on Monday of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's sixth assessment report, the Chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, Mayor Philip Glanville, said: "“This report is a stark warning that the time to act is now. London boroughs are already supporting local residents and businesses in their ambitions to decrease harmful carbon emissions and build greater resilience to climate change. This includes delivering active travel campaigns and powering buildings using 100% renewable energy.

“But we need government to champion the role local councils are playing in achieving national climate goals. London boroughs are ready and determined to do all we can, but we need a framework and resources to deliver on the scale of the emergency that the science sets out. Our priorities include ensuring we make a just transition to a zero carbon future, and collaborating with government and local communities to create effective place-based responses that reflect the views and concerns of our communities.  

“It is essential we build a sustainable future for our city and contribute to tackling the global climate emergency. Boroughs are committed to putting our diverse communities at the heart of finding solutions to the biggest challenge of our lifetime.”

Voluntary, community, and not-for-profit organisations specialising in combatting homelessness and tackling domestic abuse are being invited to apply for funding from London Councils Grants Programme for a new four-year programme, which will deliver services from April 2022 to March 2026.

The challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic have increased the numbers of people in the capital in need of specialist support. Many Londoners experienced homelessness for the first time as employment terms changed or ended and, while the ‘Everyone In’ scheme helped shelter many rough sleepers, it emphasised how many people still have housing needs. Alongside this, there was a significant increase in demand for domestic abuse victim services during the pandemic.

Funding provided by London Councils’ grants programme will provide a vital boost to services at a time of acute need. These services aim to improve lives and create opportunities for people to succeed.

Chair of London Councils’ Grants Committee, Mayor Damien Egan, said: “The Grants Programme is a source of pride for London’s local Leaders. We are delighted to be delivering a new four-year programme, particularly under such challenging financial circumstances for our residents and our boroughs.

“The programme funds vital services for people who need specialist support and tackles some of the most pressing issues across London. 

“The next four years will be a crucial time to learn from and develop our relationship with partners in the voluntary and community sector to help improve the lives of Londoners across the capital.”

You can find out more (including how to apply) on our Grants webpages here. The deadline for applications is 12 noon, 10 September 2021

One in three people who have coronavirus have no symptoms. Taking a lateral flow test twice a week (every 3-4 days) can help contain the spread and #KeepLondonSafe. You can order free packs of rapid lateral flow tests to be sent to your home, to protect yourself and others. Use this service to order tests if you do not have Covid symptoms.

If you have Covid-19 symptoms, get a PCR test and self-isolate, even if symptoms are mild.

Following the government’s decision to legalise rental trials of e-scooters, TfL and London Councils launched a trial in the capital in June. 

The trial initially covered a core area including Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea, Richmond, Tower Hamlets and Canary Wharf. The City of London, Lambeth and Southwark joined the trial in July and Westminster became the latest borough to join last week.

This trial aims to promote high safety standards and develop a better understanding of how this emerging mode of transport might impact or benefit London's roads and the people who use them, as well as the potential role of rental e-scooters within the capital's wider transport network.

The trial's rental e-scooters are the only legal way to ride an e-scooter on public roads. The use of privately owned e-scooters on public roads remains illegal.

We're keen to use the trial to understand more about three key areas: parking, user behaviour and rider experience. If you'd like to give feedback on your experience of the e-scooter trial, please do so using TfL's interactive map here.

London Councils has added an Instagram account to its social media. You can follow us @londoncouncils