Responding to Plan B measures being brought in by government in order to slow transmission of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, the Chair of London Councils, Cllr Georgia Gould, 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.”

New research published by Shelter 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 Rodwell, 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 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.

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. Find your nearest walk-in centre here.