Ahead of the Chancellor's Spring Statement later today, which is due to confirm allocations for the multi-billion pound UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), London Councils has reiterated its call for the capital to receive at least the same amount as under previous EU funding. London Councils is also seeking sufficient flexibility so that London’s share can remain focused on boosting prosperity and spreading opportunity through much-needed employment and skills support.  

Boroughs say these resources are vital for addressing the needs of the capital’s young people not in education, employment or training and persistent joblessness among disadvantaged groups.

London Councils’ Executive Member for Skills & Employment, Cllr Nesil Caliskan, said: “London is a city of staggering inequalities. As well as growing cost-of-living pressures on low-income Londoners, we’re suffering from some of the highest unemployment rates in the country – especially among young people.

“The launch of the UKSPF is an important opportunity to target resources to where they can make a real difference, and the government must make sure London has enough funding and freedom to tackle our immense employment and skills challenges.

“Any reduction in London’s funding will undermine efforts to get Londoners into jobs, to boost training and skills, and to spread prosperity among those most in need. There are many communities in the capital in desperate need of levelling up, and we hope the government will recognise this as it finalises the UKSPF allocations.”

The Chancellor Rishi Sunak will deliver his Spring Statement to the House of Commons this afternoon. He is expected to be on his feet from around 12:45pm.

Today (23 March) marks the second anniversary of the first national lockdown due to Covid-19.

London Councils Chair Cllr Georgia Gould said: “Two years on from the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, we are pausing to remember the millions of people who have lost loved ones and who have faced illness and hardship.

“We must also acknowledge the ongoing trauma caused by the pandemic. Londoners across the capital are struggling with poverty, isolation, poor physical and mental health - issues that either began or were exacerbated by the events of the past two years.

“I would like to thank all London borough and NHS staff, volunteers and other key workers for everything you have done and continue to do to care for and support our communities in challenging circumstances.

“It has been incredible to see London’s response to the pandemic, as communities pulled together to support one another and local government, health, emergency services and the voluntary sector worked to maintain critical services and even create new ones at short notice.

“As we look to the future, boroughs are determined to learn what we can from the events of the last two years to strengthen our communities and places.”

London Councils' Leaders' Committee met yesterday (Tuesday 22 March). Items on the agenda included: Progress on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and an update on the London Pensions CIV. The complete agenda and related reports are available here.

London Councils' Transport and Environment Committee is due to meet tomorrow (Thursday 24 March). Items on the agenda will include: London's Climate Programme Action Plans: Vision Zero and Taxicard Funding. The Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance will also be in attendance. The complete agenda and related reports are available here.

Tomorrow (24 March) will see elections held across the City of London for the whole of Common Council. There will be 100 vacancies across the 25 Wards. More information on the elections is available on the Speak for the City website here.

As in previous years we will be pausing publication of Key Issues during the pre-election period ahead of the London elections on 5 May. The next Key Issues will be published on Wednesday 11 May.