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Your weekly update of London local government issues

1 Sep 2021

Afghan Refugees

London boroughs are responding to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Afghanistan by playing their part in supporting families fleeing persecution.

A London Councils survey shows that, alongside local authorities across the country, the majority of London boroughs have offered accommodation and essential local support such as counselling and school places to families in need.

As of Monday (31 August), 27 London boroughs had indicated a willingness and ability to take between 122 and 149 families coming into the UK via the ( [link removed] )Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP) ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ). More offers from London boroughs are expected to follow in the coming days and weeks.

Details of the new ( [link removed] )Afghan Citizens’ Resettlement Scheme ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) announced by the Prime Minister on Wednesday 18 August are yet to be published.

Affordable housing plans a welcome boost for London

( [link removed] )London Councils’ Executive Member for Housing & Planning, Cllr Darren Rodwell, ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) has welcomed the announcement this week of a new five-year affordable homes programme for London that will fund more than 29,000 new affordable homes, half of which will be provided by councils.

“We urgently need more affordable homes in London – especially social housing", said Cllr Rodwell

“So it’s great news that this much-needed boost to housing delivery in the capital has been agreed. London boroughs are determined to play our part in making this happen. We want to see quality - as well as quantity – in the new homes built in our communities.

“We support this push for a new generation of affordable homes that London can be proud of.”

Waltham Forest Leadership

Cllr Clare Coghill's tenure as Leader of Waltham Forest formally ends tomorrow (02 Sep). ( [link removed] )Cllr Grace Williams ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ), currently cabinet member in charge of children and families, who was elected to lead the Labour Group in July, will succeed her.

Cllr Coghill, who was first elected as a councillor in 2010 and became the council's first female leader in 2017, ( [link removed] )announced her decision to stand down earlier this year. ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Keep getting regular tests

You can still get free rapid tests twice a week.

Regular testing, alongside ( [link removed] )#handsfacespaceair ( [link removed] ) and people getting vaccinated will help us ( [link removed] )#keeplondonsafe ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

( You can order your free tests here.?campaignkw=TestOrders )You can order your free rapid tests here ( [link removed] ) ( You can order your free tests here.?campaignkw=TestOrders ).

Instagram

London Councils has added an Instagram account to its social media. You can follow us ( [link removed] )@londoncouncils ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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In the news...

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Housing pressures may limit London boroughs’ support for Afghan refugees
( [link removed] )LGC ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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London Underground: We’re over halfway back to normal as Tube passenger numbers rise
( [link removed] )Evening Standard ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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Jenrick announces nearly £9bn housing boost
( [link removed] )LocalGov ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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London ranked as one the most stressful cities in the world to drive
( [link removed] )City AM ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Vaccination facts

Even if you’re young and fit, by being unvaccinated, the chance that you will get Covid-19 and become seriously ill is higher than your risk of heart inflammation.

( [link removed] )Find out more in this video from Dr Viki Male, an immunologist at Imperial College London ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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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] )

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

The official UK government website for data and insights on coronavirus: Daily summary ( [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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