London Councils supports the Metropolitan Police Commissioner’s view that the capital should get its fair share of new police recruits - around 5,000 to 6,000 officers, However, the boroughs are determined to ensure that around 600 of these are community police officers.

Cllr Peter John OBE, Chair of London Councils, said: “London boroughs work closely with our busy local policing teams. They provide visible reassurance, address low-level crime before it takes root and gather crucial information, but they are also hugely stretched.

“To create safer, more resilient communities, investing in 600 new ‘bobbies on the beat’ must be a top priority for London.”

Those with an Older Persons Freedom Pass expiring in March 2020 who have changed their address and used the pass in the last two years, will be receiving letters shortly asking them to renew their pass.

All those who have not moved, have used their pass in the last two years and are still eligible will receive a new pass automatically. There is no need for them to do anything.

Find out more information about the renewal on our website.

Public Health England has launched a Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health that provides a focus for cross-sector action to deliver a tangible increase in the adoption of public mental health approaches.

Local authorities can find out more about the concordat here.

The London’s Smoking Cessation Transformation Programme has launched a January campaign across the capital asking people to encourage their smoking friends and family to quit for the New Year.

If you’d like to spread the word you canShare a link to the Stop Smoking London website with your Facebook friends. Or tweet a link to the website now.

To see what support is available visit stopsmokinglondon.com