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Key Issues from London Councils
Your weekly update of London local government issues

13 July 2022

Warm weather health alert

A Level 3 health-alert in five regions of the country, including London and the wider South East, has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).


With the Met Office forecasting high temperatures throughout the week, the alert is currently in place until 9am on Friday 15 July.

  

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: We want everyone to enjoy the hot weather, but also to check in on their vulnerable family, friends and neighbours to make sure they are prepared for the warm conditions.

   

"High temperatures are predicted for a prolonged period, so make sure to follow our simple health advice to beat the heat, such as covering windows exposed to direct sunlight and making sure that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly."

Flooding anniversary

Yesterday (12 July) marked one year since the first of two rainstorms in London that overwhelmed the drainage systems and led to extensive surface water and sewer flooding, affecting homes, businesses, health infrastructure and transport networks.


Speaking on the anniversary, Chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee Philip Glanville said: "Last year’s flooding events were stark evidence of the danger posed to London by the climate emergency.


“As a huge urban built-up area relying on a significant amount of aging infrastructure, such as Victorian drainage systems, the capital is particularly vulnerable to flash flooding. Due to climate change, severe weather events such as the heavy rainfall experienced last year are only due to increase. Boroughs are therefore very concerned by the risk not only of major disruption and damaged property, but to Londoners’ lives.

“Since last summer, a lot of work has gone into improving London’s partnership arrangements and boosting resilience to flooding, as well as strengthening London local government’s work to tackle the climate crisis. While this summer’s weather has so far been hot and dry, flooding remains a continuing threat and there can be no complacency when it comes to keeping Londoners safe.”

London Councils has briefed members on the recent launch of the Basement Flash Flooding Campaign and provided an update on actions undertaken by London Councils and partners following the floods of July 2021.


You can read the briefing on London Councils' wensite here.

Grants Committee AGM

The next meeting of London Councils' Grants Committee (and its AGM) will take place tomorrow (14 July).


You can read and download the Grants Committee AGM agenda and related papers here.

By-election results

Two more by-elections took place in London boroughs last week.


In Hackney, Joseph Walker (Lab) was elected to represent the De Beauvoir ward, following a by-election held Thursday, 7 July. Full result here.


In Camden, Linda Chung (Lib Dem) was elected to represent the Hampstead Town ward, following a by-election held Thursday, 7 July. Full result here.

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