New publications

London Councils' corporate plan, setting out its core themes and priorities for 2008/09 and an Annual Review describing some of London Councils' key achievements in 2007/08 have both been published this week. Both publications are available to read or download at London Councils' website.

Read or download London Councils Corporate Business Plan 2008/09

Read or download London Councils Annual Review 2007/08

Communities White Paper published

Government plans to give citizens more influence and responsibility in shaping local decisions are set out in the White Paper, 'Communities in control: real people, real power', published by Communities Secretary Hazel Blears today.

Download Communities in control: real people, real power White Paper Opens in a new window

Be a councillor

Poster lorries advertising London Councils' 'Be a councillor' campaign have begun touring the London boroughs. Information about being a councillor is available for London boroughs to use at local events or for display in council offices and libraries. An information booklet, postcards and posters are also available as part of the campaign.

Read more about London Councils Be a councillor campaign

Visit the Be a councillor website Opens in a new window

Contact: Emma Stewart, promotions manager

Survey findings

A majority of Londoners are unaware of which political party runs their local council and only around one in 20 can name their council leader, a new poll by Ipsos MORI has revealed. But the poll, commissioned by London Councils as part of its Be a councillor campaign, also reveals that one in four Londoners could potentially be interested in standing for election. Ipsos MORI chairman Ben Page will present the findings of the survey to the London Councils summit on 12 July.

Read London Councils press release

Contact: Emma Stewart, promotions manager

London Councils AGM

Cllr Merrick Cockell was re-elected as Chairman of London Councils and Cllr Michael White was elected Deputy Chairman at London Councils' AGM yesterday. Cllr Sean Brennan and Stuart Fraser were re-elected as Vice Chairs of London Councils and Hackney Mayor Jules Pipe was also elected a Vice Chair.

Read London Councils press release about the re-election

Read full list of London Councils leading members and portfolios

Member Development Charter

Havering has been awarded the Member Development Charter in recognition of its work to support its elected members and develop their skills and knowledge. The charter was presented to Havering leader Cllr Michael White by London Councils chairman Cllr Merrick Cockell following London Councils Leaders' Committee yesterday.

Read London Councils press release

Andy Ludlow shortlist announced

Six projects have made it onto the shortlist for the Andy Ludlow Homelessness Awards 2008. The Awards, which are now in their 10th year, recognise projects that improve services to homeless people, prevent homelessness or tackle disadvantage caused by homelessness. The shortlisted projects are in line to win a share of £26,000 in prize money. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 9 October.

Read London Councils press release and 2008 shortlist

Read more about the Andy Ludlow Homelessness Awards

Contact: Ian Brown, promotions officer

Credit Crunch

Following housing minister Caroline Flint's announcement of measures designed to respond to the impact of the credit crunch on the housing market, London Councils' executive member for housing Cllr Jamie Carswell has called for talks between councils, registered social landlords and estate agents on ways to build more affordable homes and help families maintain their foothold on the housing ladder.

Read housing minister Caroline Flint's announcement Opens in a new window

Read Cllr Jamie Carswells response

Council Tax collection data

The latest collection figures for Council Tax and National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) were released by CLG on 18 June 2008. London has continued to increase its Council Tax collection rates year on year, rising to 95.6% for 2007/08, with NNDR collection rising to 98.9% over the same period.

Read full statistical release and download tables Opens in a new window

Contact Suzanne Kenner, principal policy officer, Fair Funding

Focus on London 2008

An up-to-date statistical portrait of London has been published by the Greater London Authority's statistical arm, the Data Management Analysis Group (DMAG). Focus on London 2008 draws together a range of demographic, social and economic data covering some of the key issues facing the capital.

Download Focus on London 2008 Opens in a new window

By-election results

James Spencer retained Bexley's Christchurch ward for the Conservatives in a by-election following the resignation of former council leader Ian Clement. Terry Justice won Barking and Dagenham's Chadwell Heath ward for the Conservatives following the resignation of Labour's Sarah Baillie. Both by-elections took place on 3 July.

Read Bexley Christchurch ward by-election result in full Opens in a new window

Read Barking and Dagenham Chadwell Heath ward by-election result in full Opens in a new window