As we mark 100 years since the passing of the Addison Act, London Councils has today called on the government to deliver a boost of historic proportions to local authorities’ ability to build new homes.

Cllr Darren Rodwell, London Councils’ Executive Member for Housing & Planning, said: “We want to work with the government to address restrictions on our ability to build. Through just a few key policy changes, the government could have a massive impact.

"I look forward to the opportunity to meet with the new housing minister so that we can discuss our shared ambitions and work in partnership to deliver the new generation of council housing we all want to see.”

And to mark the centenary of the Addison Act, London Councils has today published a new podcast featuring our Special Projects Lead for Housing and Planning, Alex Sewell talking to Mark Baigent (Chair of the London Housing Directors' Group), Professor Tony Travers of the LSE and Eloise Shepherd (London Councils’ Strategic Lead for Housing and Planning) about the historic legislation’s legacy in the capital. Click to hear the podcast here.

London Councils' strategic lead for finance and improvement, Paul Honeyben, has written about the risk of financial uncertainty for London boroughs in this week's LGC:

"Following a decade of austerity, the whole sector agrees that local government needs a long-term sustainable settlement that will enable councils to plan properly and invest in the future of their communities. However, with a one-year spending review looking increasingly likely, London boroughs are calling on the new prime minister and cabinet to provide an urgent cash injection to address crisis of funding in children’s services (in particular high needs) and homelessness."

You can read the full article here, and you can read more about the case for long term investment in London’s public services on London Councils’ website here

Three new chief executives have recently been confirmed at London boroughs. In Bromley, the council announced it had appointed Ade Adetosoye OBE to the role permanently (following his stint as interim chief executive since December 2018). Lewisham announced that it had appointed Kim Wright as its new chief executive, replacing previous long term chief executive Barry Quirk following his move to Kensington and Chelsea. And Islington councillors ratified the appointment of Linzi Roberts-Egan as the borough’s new executive chief executive following the retirement of Lesley Seary.

Details of Councils' senior management teams, as well as every London Councillor can be found in the London Government Directory.