Following the government's update on its Ukrainian sponsorship scheme, a London Councils spokesperson said: “Boroughs stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and we’re ready to play our part in welcoming refugees to the capital.

“London has a proud history of offering sanctuary to those fleeing war and persecution. Boroughs have significant recent experience through the Afghan resettlement scheme and we’re in regular contact with the government regarding the resources and support boroughs need to accommodate new arrivals."

In response to last week's announcement from TfL on their Bus Action Plan, the Chair of London Councils' Transport and Environment Committee, Mayor Philip Glanville, said: “Buses are at the heart of London's public transport system, connecting communities all across the city, especially during Covid where they were a lifeline for so many. Boroughs stand ready to work with TfL and other partners in progressing this new bus action plan over the coming years. Not only are we responsible for 95% of London’s road network, but we are in a unique position to recognise the needs, aspirations and concerns of local communities across the capital.

“It is positive to see the new plan recognises the need to work with our diverse communities and prioritises keeping Londoners safe. We welcome it as a starting point to ensure a greener future for Londoners by providing sustainable, accessible travel alternatives to car journeys. However, we must also recognise the challenging context of the pandemic and the financial pressures this has caused. This is a vital opportunity to maintain and invest in a sustainable transport network that brings all Londoners on our journey to Net Zero.”

LB Southwark has announced that it has appointed Althea Loderick to the post of Chief Executive. The appointment follows the announcement that Southwark's current Chief Executive, Eleanor Kelly, will retire this year, stepping down from the post she has held for a decade.

Southwark Leader Cllr Kieron Williams said: “I couldn’t be happier to welcome Althea to Southwark. Through the appointment process, her passion for Southwark, our values, and our ambitions shone through. I’m looking forward to working with Althea to deliver on all our promises to the people of Southwark.

“I'm also delighted to welcome Althea as Southwark Council's first Black Chief Executive. Our borough has one of the largest Black, Asian and minority ethnic populations in the country, and this appointment is another historic advance in our work to ensure that diversity is represented at all levels of decision making in Southwark."

The appointment is subject a formal decision by Council Assembly on 23 March.

A new programme centred on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is being delivered to 2,500 children and young people at greatest risk of violence in every London borough.

London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) has secured £10m funding from the Home Office and the Youth Endowment Fund to deliver and evaluate the Your Choice programme, which is being managed by London boroughs through the London Innovation and Improvement Alliance (LIIA) on behalf of the Association of London Directors of Children’s Services, and is being evaluated by the Institute for Fiscal Studies and Anna Freud Centre.

London Councils’ Executive Member for Schools and Children’s Services, Cllr Damian White, said: “The young people in most need of therapeutic support are currently the least likely to receive it. The terrible impact of violence affecting young people is being felt in every single borough in the capital.

“Receiving funding from Home Office and YEF to deliver Your Choice demonstrates that this work is a national priority. Working with the VRU, borough children’s services are tailoring the programme so it reaches those in most need and really makes a difference across all of London’s communities.”