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Your weekly update of London local government issues

2 March 2022

Ukraine Crisis 
Speaking as events continue to unfold following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, London Councils Chair Cllr Georgia Gould said: “Londoners are shocked, saddened and angered by the invasion of Ukraine. We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine in our shared fight for freedom and democracy.

“London boroughs are working with London’s Ukrainian community and all Londoners affected by the dreadful events in Ukraine to offer them reassurance and support.”

The Ukrainian Institute London ( [link removed] ) gives advice on where to donate, follow news and action that we can take from the UK.

The Red Cross has established a ( [link removed] )Ukraine Crisis Appea ( [link removed] )l ( [link removed] ) to provide food, water, first aid, medicine, warm clothes, and shelter.

Bridging the Digital Divide

The Covid-19 pandemic has made tackling digital exclusion in the capital more important than ever, with lockdowns and social distancing during the height of the pandemic leading to an “even more severe” digital divide, a new report by the London Office of Technology and Innovation (LOTI) has found.

The first-ever comprehensive study of digital inclusion activity across the capital: Digital Inclusion in London, recommends renewed London-wide action to improve data and learning, to promote new low-cost internet offers known as social tariffs, and also to raise awareness of digital skills courses and the provision of devices to those most in need.

( [link removed] )London Councils’ Digital Champion Mayor Philip Glanville, ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) said: “Boroughs have long been concerned by digital exclusion in our communities and the pandemic has clearly worsened the situation. Tackling this challenge is a key priority for ensuring the capital’s post-pandemic recovery works for all Londoners.”

( [link removed] )Read or download the LOTI report: Digital Inclusion in London here ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Secondary School Admissions
More than nine out of ten (94%) children due to start secondary school in London this September have been offered a place at one of their preferred schools, data published on National Secondary Offer Day 2022 by the Pan London Admissions Board reveals.

Almost 70% (69.95%) of children applying to London schools got into their first preference school, an increase of 3.8% from last year, equivalent to 64,828 children. While 89% of London pupils - 82,733 children - were offered a place at one of their top three preferences of secondary school, a 2% increase from last year.

Parents began to be notified of their children’s school offer from 5pm yesterday.

London Councils Chair of Schools and Children’s Services, Cllr Damian White, said: “The number of pupils starting secondary school in London remains high, and with 93% of the capital’s schools rated good or outstanding by Ofsted, it is no surprise that parents are keen to send their children to school in London.

“[This year’s] admission figures show that the number of secondary school applications in London has remained stable compared to last year and we are delighted that 94% have been accepted into one of their preferred schools.

“While the total number of secondary school applications received in London this year was slightly lower than last year, pressure on different schools and local authority areas can vary. We will be keeping an eye on birth rates and patterns of population growth, so that local authorities can continue to ensure that there are sufficient school places for every child that needs one.

“Councils are also dealing with growing demand in services for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), which has unfortunately been exacerbated by the pandemic. We remain keen to work with the government, boroughs and schools to support the development of specialist provision at a local level, to ensure that all pupils have access to a high-quality education in London.”

Executive meeting
London Councils' Executive met yesterday (Tuesday 1 March). Items on the agenda included a discussion on the government’s proposals around the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) within the context of the Levelling Up White Paper and the implications of the approach for London boroughs.

( [link removed] )You can read the full agenda and download reports on our website here. ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

How can we ensure that our future workplaces are more inclusive?
On 3 March, LOTI will host its first future workplace webinar, with a focus on hybrid technologies for inclusive workplaces. The presenters include speakers from Google, Zoom, Microsoft, Ofcom, and Greater London Authority. You can find more information and register for the event here. ( [link removed] )

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In the news...

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Energy boss urges councils to act to help fuel poor
( [link removed] )London Post ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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London-wide approach to digital inclusion needed, report says
( [link removed] )Public Sector Executive ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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Reorganisation opportunity has come and gone
( [link removed] )The MJ ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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Removal of Covid-19 restrictions Interview with Cllr Danny Thorpe, London Councils’ Executive member for health and care
BBC London Radio breakfast show ( [link removed] ) (from 1hr 26m)

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Urgent action needed to tackle flash floods in capital’
( [link removed] )TransportXtra ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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Rough sleeping figures fall by nearly 10%
( [link removed] )The MJ ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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UK high streets bounce back from Covid curbs as London falters
( [link removed] )FT (£) ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Covid-19 advice

Please check these websites for the most up-to-date and accurate infomation regarding coronavirus advice:

On Monday 21 February Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a statement in the House of Commons on the government's strategy for living with COVID. ( [link removed] )

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] )

( [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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