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Your weekly update of London local government issues

23 Nov 2022

Autumn Statement

Responding to the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Autumn Statement last week, which included plans to allow local authorities to increase council tax by up to 5 per cent a year from April 2023 without a referendum,  ( [link removed] )London Councils Chair Cllr Georgia Gould ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) said: “Borough finances remain in a critical condition. Before the Chancellor's statement we estimated a £700 million shortfall next year for councils in the capital, which means a bleak future for many of the local services our communities rely on.

“Council tax is not the answer to the inadequate funding we’re grappling with. Council tax rises during a cost-of-living crisis are extremely difficult for the struggling households we’re determined to support. But even if council tax goes up, it could never plug that £700 million funding gap.

“Boroughs need proper investment from the government. Just as ministers worked in partnership with councils during the Covid-19 pandemic, we now require similar support in the face of the current economic emergency. We stand ready to work together in finding a sustainable solution that protects local services, helps Londoners through cost-of-living pressures, and secures the economic growth we all want to see.”

On Friday, London Councils Strategy Director: Local Government Finance and Improvement, Paul Honeyben, sent members a briefing providing an overview of the Autumn Statement, the government's funding announcements and London Councils' initial response to them. ( [link removed] )You can read the member briefing here. ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Business Survey highlights drop in confidence

The sixth annual survey of London businesses by London Councils and the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) shows a dramatic deterioration in business confidence, with three-quarters of London businesses (75%) feeling less confident about the UK economy over the next 12 months than they were about the previous 12 months.

Polling for the survey was conducted by YouGov in summer 2022 at a time of growing economic uncertainty and against a backdrop of significant global events and national political upheaval.

( [link removed] )Deputy Chair of London Councils, Cllr Darren Rodwell, ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ) said: “Businesses faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic and now the increasing cost of doing business, driven by rising energy costs and inflation, is putting businesses under further strain.

“Access to skills is a major concern for employers and business’ needs would be better supported by greater devolution of powers and funding to all UK regions. We also continue to work with Government to reform the Apprenticeship Levy as employers find the apprenticeship system does not work sufficiently for them currently.

“Meanwhile, London boroughs stand ready to work alongside Government to safeguard the future of our businesses, as we did during the pandemic when we distributed over 575,000 grants worth £3.4bn to London businesses.

“Boroughs will continue to champion businesses across the capital that make London such a vibrant and unique city to live in.”

( [link removed] )You can read the results of the 2022 Business 1000 survey in full here ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ).

Boroughs recognised among world's leaders on climate change

Three London boroughs – Enfield, Richmond upon Thames and Wandsworth – have been recognised among the world’s city regions that are providing leadership on climate change in the latest ‘Cities A list’ compiled by global non profit charity CDP.

CDP runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impacts. Their measurement is considered to be the gold standard of environmental reporting with the richest and most comprehensive dataset on corporate and city action.

Enfield, Richmond upon Thames and Wandsworth, along with the other 120 cities and boroughs on this year’s A List, are all recognised for demonstrating climate leadership through concerted and effective action.

( [link removed] )You can read the 2022 list in full here ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ).

City appoints new Chief Officer

The City of London Corporation has appointed current Kingston upon Thames Chief Executive Ian Thomas CBE (pictured) as its new Chief Officer, it was announced last week.

Ian will take up his new role in February and will succeed current incumbent John Barradell, who is stepping down on 31 December after 10 years in the role.

By election

A recent (10 November) by-election in the Green Lane and St James ward (RB Kingston upon Thames), was won byYvonne Tracey (Kingston Independent Residents Group). ( [link removed] )You can the result in full here. ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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In the news..

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Most areas in England to see 5% council tax rise
( [link removed] )BBC News ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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Council tax rise makes up £550m of the extra £2.8bn social care funding
LGC ( [link removed] )

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Councils to get £200m of £500m social care discharge fund
( [link removed] )LGC ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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UK doubles number of 'A List' cities praised for action on climate change
( [link removed] )LocalGov ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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London businesses hail ‘transformative’ Elizabeth line after 70m journeys
( [link removed] )Evening Standard ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

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Gove demands councils address ‘urgent need’ to improve housing
LGC ( [link removed] )

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The true cost of exempt accommodation
( [link removed] )Inside Housing ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] )

Congratulations to London Councils Vice Chair Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE, who was introduced to the House of Lords last week as ( [link removed] )Cllr
Baroness O’Neill of Bexley OBE ( [link removed] ) ( [link removed] ).  A strong voice for London and local government in the Lords.

Useful resources

Help with cost of living ( [link removed] )

Support for Ukraine ( [link removed] )

Covid data and advice ( [link removed] )

( [link removed] )You can now also follow London Councils  ( [link removed] )
on Instagram  ( [link removed] )

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

visit londoncouncils.gov.uk ( [link removed] )

( [link removed] )

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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