London Councils
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.
Spending Review will 'fail to offer long-term view' for sector
This year’s Spending Review will fail to offer a long-term view for local government, The MJ understands.
Grenfell council calls for homeless help
A small London council has called for other boroughs to help house its homeless.
Camden leader set to take on London Councils role
Camden LBC leader Georgia Gould has been elected to take over as chair of London Councils by her Labour colleagues.
London Councils chief announces plan to step down
The chief executive of London Councils, John O’Brien, has announced he will step down from the role after 14 years.
The complexity conundrum
John O'Brien says there must be some clear line of sight from the Government on the role of the sector in renewal 'and contributing to tackling the big national challenges we all face'.
