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Your weekly update of London local government issues

9 Feb 2022

Levelling up and London
Last week the Government published its Levelling Up White Paper.  It contained a significant analysis of the factors underlying the UK’s economic and social geography and set out 12 missions to address inequalities.

London Councils welcomed the government’s positive vision of a fairer and more prosperous country. However it is absolutely critical that any plans to tackle inequality must include London. The capital needs to be given the powers and funding to address this at levels closest to communities wherever possible.

Having issued an initial ( [link removed] )media response ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ), London Councils is now working with boroughs and partners to influence and engage with the Levelling Up missions. Ensuring London’s unique governance arrangements are taken into account and that London is allocated its fair share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund are among the immediate priorities that have been identified.

Race Equality Week

This week (7-13 February) is ( [link removed] )Race Equality Week ( [link removed] ). To mark the week, The London local government Tackling Racial Inequality programme ( [link removed] ) is holding an event today: Harnessing our Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority Communities talent.

Speakers at today's event include: Kim Smith (Chief Executive, Hammersmith & Fulham & Chair, Tackling Racial Inequality Programme); Kim Wright (Chief Executive, Lewisham); Althea Loderick (Chief Executive, Newham); and Dr Habib Naqvi (Director, NHS Race & Health Observatory).

The event will bring together colleagues across anchor institutions to discuss race equality, with a focus on the strategies, initiatives and broader activity organisations have adopted to harness Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic talent.

LOTI Leadership Series

The London Office of Technology and Innovation (LOTI) has launched a ( [link removed] )Leadership Series ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) of short videos and other content explaining key concepts in digital and data innovation, and the role of elected members and officers in enabling this important work.

The intention is that the videos will be helpful for leaders, but also for staff working within council digital and data teams who want to find better ways of explaining their needs to their own management.

HIV testing week

This week is  ( [link removed] )National HIV testing week ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ), encouraging people across the country to get tested, with the aim of working towards ending new cases of HIV by 2030.

It’s never been easier to get an HIV test and to get a result quickly—all it takes is a finger-prick test. You can get a test in person or order tests online, with free and paid-for options. Many tests will provide you with a result in just a few minutes.

Keep London Safe

Wash your hands regularly to help stop the spread of Covid-19 and other winter viruses such a coughs, colds and flu ( [link removed] )#KeepLondonSafe ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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In the news...

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Sadiq Khan unveils plan to attract international visitors back to London
Evening Standard ( [link removed] )

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‘It has to be flawless’: Long wait for Elizabeth line is nearly over
The Guardian ( [link removed] )

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TfL’s emergency funding deal extended by a fortnight
BBC News ( [link removed] )

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Andrew Carter: White paper does not provide long-term levelling up plan
LGC ( [link removed] )

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Individual support for disadvantaged pupils key to boosting attendance
CYP Now ( [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 now also follow London Councils  ( [link removed] )
on Instagram  ( [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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