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Your weekly update of London local government issues

1 Dec 2021

New COVID-19 measures 

In light of the new variant of concern in the UK, the Government has introduced ( [link removed] )new measures ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) to help stop the spread.

From 30 November, face coverings are now compulsory on public transport, shops and other settings such as banks, post offices and hairdressers.

Supporting small businesses

The 4th December is is ( [link removed] )Small Business Saturday ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ); a grassroots campaign to encourage people to shop local for the festive season. Throughout London, many businesses will be encouraging people to shop with this weekend, to help support their communities.

Small Businesses can also be supported through the ( [link removed] )Small Business Friendly Borough Awards 2022 ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ), nominations for which are open until December 10th.

Praise for Capital Letters’ impact on homelessness

London faces the most severe homelessness crisis in the country and London Councils works with parliamentarians to draw attention to the situation and to press for policy solutions.

On Monday in the House of Commons there were several questions from London MPs on homelessness pressures. Responding to a query from Siobhain McDonagh MP on the high number of children in temporary accommodation, housing minister Eddie Hughes MP ( [link removed] )highlighted the innovative Capital Letters scheme ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) and the difference it’s making.

Capital Letters is a not-for-profit company set up by the boroughs in 2019 to improve accommodation options for homeless families. Supported by London Councils and with financial backing from DLUHC, a recent independent review by LSE ( [link removed] ) London noted Capital Letters’ positive impact.   

Cllr Darren Rodwell, London Councils’ Executive Member for Housing & Planning, said: “Capital Letters is a key part of the boroughs’ pan-London approach. Through working together, we are strengthening our market position and securing better housing options for homeless households.”

( [link removed] )Find out more about Capital Letters. ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Boroughs mark World AIDS Day

Wednesday 1 December is World AIDS Day 2021, with this year also the 40th anniversary since the first HIV diagnosis in the UK. HIV remains a major public health challenge in the capital and London has the highest HIV rates in the UK.  

Boroughs collaborate through the London HIV Prevention Programme (LHPP) and its ‘Do It London’ public health campaign, which shares pan-London messages on how to prevent HIV. The LHPP was formed by the boroughs in response to rising rates of HIV in the capital and ‘Do It London’ started in 2015. Since then, new diagnoses of HIV in London have decreased by 41% and London has made the fastest progress in reducing HIV of any UK region.

Together with the Mayor of London, the NHS, and voluntary sector and community partners, London local government is signed up to the ( [link removed] )Fast Track-Cities Programme ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) and a commitment of achieving zero new HIV diagnoses by 2030.  

Cllr Danny Thorpe, London Councils’ Executive Member for Health & Care, said: “Forty years of the HIV/AIDS pandemic gives us so much to reflect on and learn from. While there’s a huge amount of sorrow and loss, there’s also incredible progress being made and real hope of ending HIV altogether.”

( [link removed] )Visit the Do It London website. ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Let's Keep London Safe

When you are out and about you should wear face coverings in crowded and enclosed areas where you come into contact with people you do not usually meet ( [link removed] )#KeepLondonSafe ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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In the news...

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Wear a mask or be fined, Sadiq Khan says
BBC News ( [link removed] )

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New cases of Omicron variant detected in London
Evening Standard ( [link removed] )

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Central London only slightly busier amid Black Friday sales
City AM ( [link removed] )

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Drive to decarbonise homes must ‘urgently move up the political agenda’
LocalGov ( [link removed] )

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All UK adults to be offered booster jab
BBC News ( [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] )

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] )

( [link removed] )You can follow London Councils on Instagram here ( [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] )

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