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Your weekly update of London local government issues

15 Dec 2021

Get a jab to protect yourself and others from Omicron

Responding to ( [link removed] )Plan B measures ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) being brought in by government in order to slow transmission of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, the ( [link removed] )Chair of London Councils, Cllr Georgia Gould ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ), has urged Londoners to: “Come and get vaccinated as soon as you can, whether it is your first, second or booster dose, to ensure you and your loved ones are protected."

“London boroughs are working with London’s NHS to support our residents and businesses and deliver the vaccination programme", she said. "We will also be working with our amazing local community groups - including charities, churches and mosques.

“Any negative impact of the new measures on Londoners and our business community will be cause for serious concern and we will be actively working with government and others to mitigate this."

In addition to getting vaccinated, Londoners should continue to follow public health advice: to wash hands regularly; keep your distance from others and ensure you meet outside or in well ventilated spaces: wear a face covering in public spaces and take regular tests (particularly when they've been in contact with more people).

Cllr Gould said: “It sounds simple, but following public health hygiene advice is still very effective in preventing transmission of Covid-19 to your family, friends and colleagues.

“I am so proud to be a Londoner and to be standing alongside my fellow residents as we face this challenge. Together, we will get through this.”

Shelter report confirms London as epicentre of homelessness crisis

New research published by Shelter ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) finds that more than 274,000 people in England are currently homeless (either sleeping rough or in temporary accommodation) and that the problem is most acute in London - where one in 53 people are homeless.

Responding to the charity's findings, London Councils’ Executive Member for Housing & Planning, Cllr Darren Rodwel ( [link removed] )l, said: “London is the epicentre of the homelessness crisis. The combination of high housing costs and the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on London’s economy means we face the highest homelessness rates in the country.

“Boroughs are doing all we can to support homeless Londoners but we need urgent action from the government. Ministers must ensure the welfare system prevents homelessness from occurring in the first place and we need far more investment in affordable housing.”

Ealing Chief Executive

Ealing Council has announced the appointment of Paul Martin as interim Chief Executive. The appointment follows Paul Najsarek's decision to stand down from the post from 17 December. 

Paul Martin is currently completing his role as Interim Chief Executive and Head of Public Services at the Government of Jersey and was previously Chief Executive of both Wandsworth and Richmond councils under their shared staffing arrangements. He will take up the Ealing role in February 2022. Judith Finlay, Executive Director of Children, Adults and Public Health, will be the borough's Acting Head of Paid Services in the meantime.

Walk in booster vaccinations

If you are 30+ years old and had your second Covid-19 jab three months ago, you are now eligible for your booster jab. You can get your booster jab from a walk-in clinic near you. You do not have to book, or be registered with a GP. ( [link removed] )Find your nearest walk-in centre here ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ).

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In the news...

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Omicron takes over in London with variant now accounting for more than 50% of case
( [link removed] )Evening Standard ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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Tens of thousands of London families homeless over Christmas
( [link removed] )The London Economic ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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TfL announces safety ban of e-scooters on transport network
( [link removed] )Highway News ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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Renewed pleas to government for long-term TfL deal as ‘Plan B’ prompts fall in public transport use
( [link removed] )OnLondon ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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Councils call for extension to outbreak funding
( [link removed] )LocalGov ( [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] )

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] )

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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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