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Your weekly update of London local government issues

2 Nov 2022

Boroughs urge government to address growing funding gap

As the new government prepares to unveil its plans for the public finances, London Councils analysis reveals that boroughs in the capital need to make £700 million of savings next year unless the government boosts funding for local services.

Boroughs’ overall resources are 22 per cent lower in real terms compared to 2010, even though London’s population has grown by almost 800,000 (a 10 per cent increase).

London Councils Chair Cllr Georgia Gould ( [link removed] ) said: “The funding outlook for boroughs is beyond bleak. The scale of the savings required is colossal and will inevitably mean cuts to the vital frontline services that so many Londoners rely on.

“Boroughs will do everything we can to protect our communities but a £700 million funding gap next year will force us into the toughest of tough decisions unless the government offers new support.

“Just as ministers worked effectively with councils at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, we need a similar spirit of partnership in the face of the cost-of-living emergency. Properly funding local services is essential for supporting struggling households and building economic growth in our communities.

“We’re urging the government to listen to councils’ concerns and take swift action to avoid a bad situation becoming even worse.”

E-scooter rental trial extended

London Councils and Transport for London (TfL) are extending the capital’s trial of rental e-scooters in response to recently updated Department for Transport (DfT) guidance that allows local authority trials to continue until 31 May 2024.

This extension follows the recent government announcement of plans to create a new vehicle category in legislation, in which e-scooters would be included. Continuing the trial of rental services will ensure that London can continue to learn about e-scooters and the role that they can play in London’s transport offer.

( [link removed] )Mayor Phil Glanville, London Councils’ Climate Change, Transport and Environment Lead ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ), said: “I am pleased that London’s rental e-scooter trial is being extended to allow more people across our capital to take advantage of this sustainable mode of transport. Thanks to the boroughs taking part in the trial, London continues to be at the forefront of innovation when it comes to micro-mobility, transport and the journey to net zero."

“We look forward to working with TfL and stakeholders to make the next phase of the trial a success and we are confident that rental e-scooters will continue to provide an alternative to car-based travel in the capital. Safety remains our top priority and we will continue to look closely at data and insights to see how e-scooters can play a part in a more sustainable future for London.”

Apprenticeship Awards 2022

The winners of this year's London Boroughs Apprenticeship Awards will be announced at a special event at Plaisterers’ Hall in the City of London on Friday.

Winners in categories including best contribution by an apprentice, best progression by an apprentice, best manager or mentor, as well as the overall Apprentice of the Year, will be selected from the shortlist of 25 announced in the summer.

Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz, London Councils’ Executive Member for Skills and Employment, said: “The nominees of this year’s awards demonstrate a brilliant array of talented and passionate apprentices motivated to serve the public good and the dedicated officers and managers who take on and support them to achieve their potential".

Follow us on ( [link removed] )Twitter ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) and Instagram ( [link removed] ) for live updates as the winners are announced.

London in Brief online events

London Councils is running a series of online lunchtime events exclusively for councillors, keeping you up-to-date and informed on a broad range of issues that affect Londoners. ( [link removed] )You can find out more and register on our website here. ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Upcoming London in Brief online events include:

Violence Against Women and GirlsLondon: Responding to the Climate EmergencyAn introduction to Local Government FinanceResponding to refugee arrivals and asylum seekers and the London Asylum Dispersal PlanAn introduction to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)The opportunities afforded by film and TV for London’s boroughs ( [link removed] )

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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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