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 Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP). More offers from London boroughs are expected to follow in the coming days and weeks.

Details of the new Afghan Citizens’ Resettlement Scheme announced by the Prime Minister on Wednesday 18 August are yet to be published.

London Councils’ Executive Member for Housing & Planning, Cllr Darren Rodwell, 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.”

Cllr Clare Coghill's tenure as Leader of Waltham Forest formally ends tomorrow (02 Sep). Cllr Grace Williams, 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, announced her decision to stand down earlier this year.

You can still get free rapid tests twice a week.

Regular testing, alongside #handsfacespaceair and people getting vaccinated will help us #keeplondonsafe

You can order your free rapid tests here.

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