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 media response, 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.

This week (7-13 February) is Race Equality Week. To mark the week, The London local government Tackling Racial Inequality programme 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.

The London Office of Technology and Innovation (LOTI) has launched a Leadership Series 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.

This week is National HIV testing week, 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.

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