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Your weekly update of London local government issues

31 Aug 2022

London Councils highlights homelessness concerns

London faces a possible homelessness spike in the coming months due to the cost-of-living crisis and increases in private rents, boroughs have warned.

Analysis of government data by London Councils has identified around 125,000 low-income London households at particular risk of homelessness because their benefit entitlements fall short of covering their rent. 

London Councils has also highlighted new analysis showing that fewer than one in ten properties listed for private rent in the capital are affordable to Londoners who depend on welfare support for meeting their housing costs.

( [link removed] )London Councils’ Executive Member for Regeneration, Housing & Planning, Cllr Darren Rodwell ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ), said: “The combination of rising rents and the worsening cost-of-living crisis means many tens of thousands of Londoners are at real risk of homelessness in the coming months.

“Just as the government boosted LHA to help households avoid homelessness during the pandemic, it’s vital that LHA is restored once again to cover at least 30% of market rents. Increasing LHA would bring much-needed relief to Londoners struggling with housing costs.

“Without urgent action, we’re worried we’ll see growing numbers of low-income households unable to afford their rent and becoming homeless. The consequence for those Londoners could be devastating. We’re keen to work with ministers on this important issue, as tackling homelessness is a priority for us all.”

( [link removed] )You can download the briefing on Affordability of Private Rented Sector accommodation for London Households in receipt of Housing Support here ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ). The figures contained in this briefing are sourced from research commissioned by Capital Letters and carried out by Savills through analysis of Rightmove listings

GCSE results

Students received their GCSE results last week. And while overall grades were down across the country following the first return to full exams since 2019, the results confirmed that London continues to outperform other regions, with 32.6 per cent of all exams taken in the capital graded 7/A or above.

London Councils Executive Member for Children and Young People, Cllr Ian Edwards ( [link removed] ) said: "London's GCSE results rank high across national tables and I am proud of each and every student who has taken their exams this summer.

"There are many roads you can go down as you head towards your future career and London boroughs are here to support you with every step, be that further studying, apprenticeships or careers."

Carnival returns to Notting Hill

The August bank holiday saw the Notting Hill Carnival safely welcomed back to the streets of Kensington and Chelsea after a three year hiatus.

A 72 second silence was held at 3pm on Monday to remember those who passed in the Grenfell fire.

Following the event, which was attended by an estimated 1.3 million people, 200 cleaners, supported by 30 refuse trucks and sweepers, worked through Monday night to remove around 300 tonnes of rubbish to get the streets ready for Tuesday morning.

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Age-friendly councillors roundtable

The Centre for Ageing Better will host an online Age-friendly councillors roundtable on 8 September (14:00-16:00). The event is aimed at councillors keen to explore how councils can foster an age-friendly approach in their communities. ( [link removed] )Members can register for the (free) event here. ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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Help with cost of living ( [link removed] )

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Comments or queries? Email the editor ( [email protected]?subject=Key%20Issues%3A )

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London Councils fights for the best deal for our boroughs, develops policy and lobbies government on the issues
that matter for London. We also run pan-London services like Freedom Pass and Taxicard.
59½ Southwark Street, London SE1 0AL | [email protected] ( [email protected] )

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