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 gives advice on where to donate, follow news and action that we can take from the UK.

The Red Cross has established a Ukraine Crisis Appeal to provide food, water, first aid, medicine, warm clothes, and shelter.

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.

London Councils’ Digital Champion Mayor Philip Glanville, 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.”

Read or download the LOTI report: Digital Inclusion in London here

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.”

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.

You can read the full agenda and download reports on our website here.

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.