Commenting on the launch of the government’s consultation on how funding is distributed among local authorities, London Councils emphasised that money provided to boroughs must reflect the high levels of need and significant deprivation in the capital, as well as the rising cost of delivering local services.

Cllr Grace Williams, Deputy Chair of London Councils, said: “In the face of severe budget pressures, these funding reforms will be pivotal  in determining boroughs’ financial future.

“It has been twelve years since the government formulae that determine so much of our funding were last updated. Change is long overdue – current funding certainly does not reflect the costs of sustaining London’s local services – but if we don’t get this right, we risk more boroughs being pushed towards effective bankruptcy.

“We welcome the chance to shape the government’s plans. It’s vital that the resources we receive match the high levels of need, deprivation and cost of delivering services in the capital.”

London Councils has unveiled three MPs as its new Parliamentary Vice-Presidents, strengthening links between the cross-party group and London parliamentarians.

At London Councils’ recent annual general meeting the Parliamentary Vice-Presidents were confirmed as:

Rachel Blake, Labour MP for Cities of London and Westminster

David Simmonds, Conservative MP for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner

Munira Wilson, Liberal Democrat MP for Twickenham

Cllr Claire Holland, Chair of London Councils, said: “We’re excited to confirm our three Parliamentary Vice-Presidents. They are each dedicated champions for London local government and we’re grateful for their support.

“Decisions made in Westminster are fundamentally important to boroughs’ ability to play our vital role in driving growth and delivering on behalf of our residents. Through working closely with MPs we will seek more opportunities to contribute to parliamentary debate and national policymaking for the benefit of the Londoners we all serve.”  

Aldermanic by-elections were held on 18 and 19 June in Dowgate and Vintry wards in the City of London.

The by-election for the Dowgate ward was won by Alison Gowman (Ind) and the by-election for the Vintry ward was won by Andrew Parmley (Ind).

See full results here