London Councils

As part of our Borough Spotlight for the 'Supporting London Boroughs Engagement Project', which was funded by Greater London Authority and in partnership with London Councils, we're highlighting the exciting work being done by Barnet Council, London Borough of Bexley and Brent London Borough Council. Each borough took innovative steps to better connect with their residents by tackling unique challenges and delivering impactful solutions. 💬 Bexley Council is also making a difference for young people and families who have experienced trauma or violence. By creating a quarterly forum co-produced with underserved communities, they’re facilitating open dialogue and ensuring that every voice is heard. 🌟 Barnet Council has made significant progress in supporting their Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. From improving video interpreting services to launching comprehensive Deaf awareness training for staff, Barnet is breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity. 🌐 Brent Council is pioneering digital engagement by investing in social media tools and launching new channels like WhatsApp to connect with residents. Their efforts are making it easier and faster to respond to community needs, driving meaningful interactions. ✅ By setting the standard for community engagement, these boroughs are proving that with the right approach, we can build stronger, more connected communities. Learn more about their initiatives and impact in our latest blog post: https://lnkd.in/eVihuBp7 #CommunityEngagement #Accessibility #Innovation #Barnet #Brent #Bexley #Council #InclusiveServices #DigitalEngagement #BoroughSpotlight #GLA #LondonCouncils

Join us on 9 September 2024 for the launch of the Green Finance Guide — a key resource for boroughs looking to navigate the evolving landscape of green finance. This guide offers insights into alternative funding options, moving beyond traditional public grants, to help you drive sustainable initiatives locally. To attend, please register here: https://lnkd.in/dfVgkChm #BeTheSolution #greenfinance  

Over the last 18 months, Neighbourly Lab has been a proud learning partner for "Supporting London Boroughs' Engagement Project" which was kindly funded by the Greater London Authority and delivered in partnership with London Councils. Download the report and read more about the innovative community engagement work being done by Councils across London https://lnkd.in/eAdAkDGa #communityengagement #supportinglondoners #gla #greaterlondonauthority #londoncouncils

We're working with the Mayor and the Greater London Authority on the new London Growth Plan. Have your say on the future of London's economy by taking the short survey below.

The Greater London Authority is working with the London Councils to develop a new London Growth Plan to help drive London’s economic growth. We will be engaging fully with the development of this plan both in the lead up to the consultation and submitting our thoughts and evidence to the consultation once published. If you work and live in London this is the chance to have your say! A survey is open that will help to capture Londoners perceptions and experiences of living and working in the city. Open till 15 September, you can complete the survey ➡️ https://lnkd.in/ebu32k_y #HOLBA #HeartofLondon

London Innovation & Improvement Alliance (LIIA) is recruiting for a Programme Administrator to join their team. More details below.

Local Area Energy Plans (LAEPs) integrate energy planning with urban development to help deliver cost-effective solutions for London boroughs. Our latest climate blog by Caelan Knight, Climate Project Officer, provides an in-depth look into what LAEPs are and the benefits this place-based approach is already bringing to some of the boroughs that have implemented it. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dHZaA5vM Greater London Authority, Ajit Bansal, Katherine Frost, Tom Ardron, Phil S., Alistair Dunlop, Andrew McMunnigall #BeTheSolution #energy

The Spending Review announced by the Chancellor this week is a welcome opportunity to bring desperately needed stability to council finances. Boroughs are making the case for action to stabilise the local government funding system. Priorities include increased investment, a fairer distribution of funding, greater funding certainty and more financial autonomy. If you're interested in understanding more about the financial challenges facing London local government and how the new government could resolve them, why not take some time to watch our new explainer video? Presented by Paul Honeyben London Councils’ Strategy Director for Local Government Finance & Improvement it covers: -How London boroughs are funded -Key policy and demographic changes since 2010 -Financial pressures driving the most acute problems -What needs to be fixed in the wider local government finance system -London Councils’ priorities for reform Watch the full video: https://lnkd.in/dVWsRwqq

We have responded to the government's announcements today on housing and planning reform - including new flexibilities in how local authorities can use the money raised from council house sales for funding replacement homes. As Cllr Peter Mason, our Executive Member for Planning & Skills, says: “There is no doubt that more homes are urgently needed in London and indeed around the country. Boroughs are strongly pro-housing growth and welcome the government’s focus on boosting housebuilding – including affordable homes and social housing. “New flexibilities over how we use Right to Buy sales receipts are a big step in the right direction. Reducing restrictions will help ensure more money raised from council house sales is better invested locally in building replacement homes. “London boroughs have a good record in granting planning permission, but construction of new homes has seriously stalled in the capital and we’re keen to work with the government in addressing this." Read our full press release here: https://lnkd.in/e7t72Djb #planning #planningreform #housingpolicy #localgov #London #Londonhousingcrisis

We welcome the Spending Review announced by the Chancellor as an opportunity to bring “desperately needed” stability to council finances. Boroughs are making the case for action to stabilise the local government funding system. Priorities include: ·      Additional funding. To stabilise finances and prevent any more boroughs being forced to issue Section 114 notices (effectively declarations of bankruptcy), increased investment is needed. London Councils estimates boroughs face a £700m funding gap across the capital next year (2025-26). ·      Fairer funding. The distribution of government funding needs to become more reflective of local needs. The government’s core funding formulae have not been updated since 2013 and a ‘fair funding review’ is urgently required. ·      Funding certainty. Boroughs are seeking long-term funding settlements of at least three years and fewer bidding pots where councils compete for funding from the government. Greater funding certainty will enable better planning and strategic investment in prevention. ·      Greater financial autonomy. With more financial freedoms and devolved powers, boroughs will be in a stronger position to sustain services and encourage local economic growth. These could include measures such as 100% business rates growth retention for London, powers to create a new tourism levy, and ensuring government grants are un-ringfenced by default (i.e. do not come with burdensome restrictions). Cllr Claire Holland, Chair of London Councils, said: “We welcome this Spending Review as an opportunity to bring desperately needed stability to town hall budgets and strengthen our role as drivers of local growth. “Turning the tide on the council finance crisis is crucial for tackling so many of the UK’s most pressing challenges. Whether boosting housebuilding, making faster progress on net zero targets, or arranging social care support that keeps people out of hospital, councils and the services we provide for residents and businesses are essential. “Insufficient and unpredictable funding has resulted in unsustainable pressures on council finances, as London’s population has grown and demand for services – particularly social care and homelessness support – has skyrocketed. “Restoring stability to boroughs’ finances will put us in a much stronger position to work in partnership with the government on our shared priorities and help make a positive contribution to its national missions.” #localgov #publicpolicy #SpendingReview #SpendingReview2024 #Londongovernment