Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng is expected to use a fiscal event on Friday 23 September to set out the new government's plans to boost the economy and respond to the cost of living crisis.

Ahead of the announcement, London Councils has briefed London MPs on the key priorities for London local government, including financial support for London boroughs; supporting residents through the cost of living crisis; supporting London's businesses with rising costs; delivering net zero and unlocking the benefits of deeper devolution in London. You can read the briefing in full here.

London Councils will be hosting events at both the Labour and Conservative Party Conferences this year. (The planned Liberal Democrat conference event was cancelled as it fell within the mourning period for HRH Queen Elizabeth II).

At the Labour Party Conference, London Councils Chair, Cllr Georgia Gould, will be hosting a panel discussion exploring: Unlocking community wealth to tackle the cost-of-living crisis Date: Tuesday 27 September. Time: 09.00-10.15. Locations: Room 4A, ACC Liverpool.

At the Conservative Party Conference, London Councils  Executive Member for Business, Economy and Culture, Cllr Elizabeth Campbell, will be hosting a panel discussion exploring: Cost-of-living pressures and levelling up ambitions: The London view. Date: Tuesday 4 October 2. Time: 12.00-13.15. Location: Hall 10B, ICC Birmingham.

AVA (Against Violence & Abuse) has launched a new women's homelessness programme, designed to improve London boroughs' housing and homelessness offers for women survivors of gender-based violence. AVA’s tailored programme will support boroughs to work alongside women with lived experience and local specialist services to overcome their specific challenges and provide safer and more effective housing and homelessness support for women survivors of gender-based violence.

AVA is looking for up to four London boroughs to join them as programme partners. Boroughs are invited to apply by completing the application form by 10 October 2022. More information and how to apply can be found here.

If you are interested in a career in the homelessness sector, you are invited to attend a London-wide careers fair at the new City Hall on 27 September (between 3pm and 7pm).

Help is needed before this winter as multiple providers in the homelessness services sector are ramping up hiring, particularly for client-facing roles in street outreach and hostels (shelters).

The career fair will feature multiple homelessness sector service providers and enable you to learn learn more about working in the sector and current vacancies.

The London Career Fair is jointly organised by London Councils, Homelessness Link and Bloomberg Associates.

You can register to attend the London Career Fair here.