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Your weekly London local government update

21 Jan 26

Cross party working 'foundational' to ensuring a strong London voice

Speaking at the London Government Dinner at Mansion House last week, London Councils Chair Cllr Claire Holland OBE said: "“Whatever London’s political leadership looks like in four months’ time, one thing is clear -- we achieve far more for our city and for the communities we represent by working together in a spirit of collaboration.

“The cross-party consensus we have always sought to build through London Councils is foundational to our ability to have a strong London voice.

“It’s enabled us to make the case to Government for the powers and resources our city needs to succeed, working hand-in-hand with City Hall and with MPs and Peers from all parties.

“It’s allowed us to form new partnerships across the capital, like Opportunity London – with boroughs, the Mayor and the City of London working together to attract investment and send a clear message around the world that London is open for business.

“And it’s provided us with the means to strengthen collaboration between boroughs and the GLA – whether that’s jointly developing the London Growth Plan, making homes and buildings more energy efficient through Warmer Homes London, or taking a more coordinated approach to tackling homelessness and rough sleeping.

“That is the difference that collaboration and cross-party working can make for London and I’m confident that the foundations we have laid over the past four years will enable us to continue in that vein beyond May.”

Hosted by Lady Mayor Dame Susan Langley, the London Government Dinner brings together business and political leaders across the capital to discuss London's growth and future - and is a platform for leaders to engage in discussions on various aspects of London's development.

Women's Wellbeing workshops

Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness week is taking place from 3-9 February 2026.

nia ( [link removed] ), a partner in the Ascent Advice and Counselling project, is holding various women’s wellbeing workshops for female survivors of sexual violence, with East London Rape Crisis. The events, taking place on four different dates, are free. You can find out more and sign up here. ( [link removed] )

nia is also hosting an open mic and podcasting session for young women (aged 18–24 years-old) to share ideas, music, spoken word or try podcasting. You can find out more and sign up here. ( [link removed] )

Ascent Advice and Counselling is a project led by Women and Girls Network, funded by the London Councils Grants Programme. ( [link removed] )

Freedom Pass renewals

If you know someone with an Older Person's Freedom Pass expiring in March 2026, they don't need to do anything. If they are still eligible, they will receive a new pass this month.

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In the news this week...

London boroughs could see major financial boost from tourist levy
LocalGov ( [link removed] )
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Monitoring officers face ‘perfect storm’ of challenges
LGC ( [link removed] )
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We must invest in homes to reduce bills and transform London’s housing stock
Inside Housing ( [link removed] )
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Extra funds for councils under SEND reforms
The MJ ( [link removed] )
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Council tax rise to help police fight phone thefts
BBC News ( [link removed] )
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Warmer Homes London appoints complete senior leadership team
London Daily News ( [link removed] )
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What topics are you interested in? Click here to let us know ( [link removed] )

London Local Government 
Directory

You can find contact details for every councillor in London in our London Government Directory here ( [link removed] ).

London Councils Committees

Leaders' Committee ( [link removed] )

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Executive Committee ( [link removed] )

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Transport & Environment Committee ( [link removed] )

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Transport & Environment Executive Committee ( [link removed] )

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Grants Committee ( [link removed] )

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Grants Executive Committee ( [link removed] )

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Comments or queries? Email the editor ( [email protected]?subject=Key%20Issues%3A )

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visit londoncouncils.gov.uk ( [link removed] )

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London Councils is the collective of local government in London, the 32 boroughs and the City of London.
We also run pan-London services like Freedom Pass and Taxicard.
London Councils, 4th Floor, 12 Arthur Street, London, EC4R 9AB

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