London Councils
Call to boost council housebuilding powers
Housebuilding in London needs to be doubled to meet demand, according to new analysis from London Councils.
Facing down a perfect storm of violence
This summer will be one of the most challenging local councils have faced when it comes to bearing down on violent crime and its devastating consequences says Cllr Jas Athwal. He looks at how London boroughs are tackling the issue.
Capital's councils in call for tough new powers
Local authorities need tough new powers to combat non-traffic sources of air pollution, the capital’s councils have urged.
Coalition calls for reforms to ‘flawed’ apprenticeship levy
The Government has been urged to make urgent reforms to the 'flawed' apprenticeship levy by a coalition by local government and major employers in London.
London Councils acting chief to leave
Acting chief executive at London Councils, Dick Sorabji, has announced he will be leaving in search of new challenges.
Government warned of 'soaring summer of homelessness'
The Government will fail to fulfil its manifesto commitment of ending rough sleeping for good by 2024 without a cross-Whitehall strategy for reducing homelessness, it has been warned.
George Floyd – ‘much more to do’ in London
One year on from the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Cllr Muhammed Butt reflects on the progress made on pan-London work to tackle racial inequality and injustice.
London's 'triple whammy' risks homelessness crisis
London Councils has warned there is a ‘triple whammy’ of impending risks that threaten to push homelessness to record levels this summer.
London repairs backlog hits 'staggering' £1bn
The cost of the road maintenance backlog on London’s roads has now passed £1bn, according to the fourth annual ‘State of the City’ report from the London Technical Advisers Group (LoTAG).
Making ‘build, build, build’ a reality
Having listened to the Queen’s Speech, Cllr Darren Rodwell worries the Government is ‘overly fixated on misguided reforms to the planning system’. He puts forward his policy wish list.
London Councils names new chief exec
Southend-on-Sea BC chief executive Alison Griffin has been named as the new chief at London Councils.
A legacy in London
John O’Brien is stepping down as chief executive of London Councils after 14 years. Heather Jameson steers one of the most understated people in London government round to talking about his achievements.
Partnership approach to COVID enforcement is working in London
Cllr Jas Athwal takes a look at the progress so far of London boroughs’ joint protocol and partnership agreements with the Metropolitan Police on enforcing COVID restrictions.
Casey launches fight against hunger
A coalition of councils and charities, headed by Dame Louise Casey, have launched a campaign to support food charities this winter.
Online sales tax backed by London
The local government sector in the capital has advocated the introduction of an online sales tax (OST).
Crisis call for return of Everyone In
The chief executive of homelessness charity Crisis has called for ring-fenced funding for councils to provide COVID-safe accommodation for anyone at risk of rough sleeping.
A framework for tackling race inequality in London
Cllr Muhammed Butt and Kim Smith examine how London boroughs are working to tackle racial inequality by collaborating on three broad programmes of work, to include better sharing of data around racial inequality and disparities.
Stay focused on the longer-term climate ambitions
Remaining focused on the longer-term climate ambitions can be challenging, says John O'Brien - 'but they are ambitions that will often be part of our broader, near term recovery efforts as well'.
The challenge of health devolution in London
Dick Sorabji, deputy chief executive of London Councils, charts the progress of health devolution in the capital and considers the next steps forward in light of the COVID-19 pandemic
Auditors poised to qualify accounts over SEND
Auditors are poised to qualify some value for money opinions as a result of spiralling special educational needs and disabilities deficits, The MJ understands.
