New census data on London’s population figures should be treated with “extreme caution”, according to boroughs in the capital.

In response to the publication of the Census 2021 results, London Councils warns that the number of Londoners is likely to have been significantly undercounted – potentially having a major impact on future funding allocations for the capital’s public services if not adjusted for.

The census was taken in March 2021, during the third national lockdown in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Boroughs are concerned that at this time many of their residents – particularly students, young people on furlough, and migrant workers from abroad – may have temporarily relocated to family homes outside of the capital.

Cllr Georgia Gould, Chair of London Councils, said: "Census 2021 took place during the extraordinary circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic and a national lockdown, so this snapshot data must be treated with extreme caution.

“The census is a really important tool for policy and decision makers. Accurate census data matters for Londoners because it helps determine government funding allocations to local authorities. Billions of pounds for frontline services are at stake.

“We are concerned that, without looking at the data in the context of the challenges the pandemic created, Londoners will lose out.”

Piali Das Gupta has been appointed Strategy Director: London’s Future at London Councils. 

As Strategy Director: London’s Future, Piali will provide strategic leadership at London Councils, working with all the London boroughs and with a particular focus on climate change, transport, housing, regeneration and planning and the economy.

Alison Griffin, Chief Executive of London Councils, said: “I am delighted to be welcoming Piali to London Councils. Piali is an experienced and well-regarded senior local government and policy professional with extensive policy experience and a track record of relationship building and influencing across London’s complex and rich landscape. She is a great addition to the team.”

Mark Durrant (Liberal Democrats), Dongsung Kim (Liberal Democrats), and Lesley Anne Heap (Liberal Democrats) have been elected as ward councillors for New Malden Village, at the by-election in Kingston last week.

The London Mental Health Champions Network was established to support elected members from across London who want to learn more about how to support their own and their constituent's mental health and wellbeing.

The network is run in partnership with Centre for Mental Health, London Councils and Thrive LDN. They meet on a quarterly basis and provide a forum for elected members with an interest in public mental health to collaborate and share information and good practice.

Through this network we hope to support and strengthen our work in improving the mental health of our citizens at a local level. 

If you are an elected member and are interested in attending a future network meeting, please contact Nadia Holland at Thrive LDN [email protected].