for onsite service
key issues 153: 22 October 2008
to receive or contribute to this newsletter, please send an email with 'Key Issues' in the subject line to:
Email: info@londoncouncils.gov.uk
Transforming places consultation
London Councils has called on the government to promote business opportunities and boost regeneration in the capital's most deprived areas in its response to the consultation paper 'Transforming places; changing lives: a framework for regeneration'. London Councils is also asking for local authorities to be given a greater say in where money is targeted. The deadline for consultation responses is Friday 31 October 2008.
Read London Councils' press release
Read the consultation document
Read London Councils' response
Contact: Dianna Neal, head of economic opportunity
City Charter appointment
Dr Mark Kleinman has been appointed to work with London Councils and the GLA to oversee development of the London City Charter and the London Congress, which will involve London's council leaders and the Mayor working together to meet the capital's major challenges. Dr Kleinman, who has extensive experience in London local government and is a visiting Professor at the London School of Economics, will be based at London Councils for the duration of his appointment.
Read London Councils' press release
Find out more about the City Charter
Contact: Dr Mark Kleinman, director, London city charter
Healthcare Commission report
Results from the Healthcare Commission's Annual Health Check, released last week, have shown the capital to be the only region in the country that saw declining standards of NHS care over the last year. London Councils has responded to the findings by calling for improved access to local health services for Londoners and greater joined-up working between health services and local authorities.
Read London Councils' press release
Read the results of the Annual Health Check
Contact: Valerie Solomon, policy and project manager
London Skills and Employment Board
London Councils executive member for children and young people and leader of Islington council Cllr James Kempton has been appointed to the London Skills and Employment (LSE) Board. Cllr Kempton is one of nine new members appointed by the Mayor of London to help deliver the LSE strategy, which aims to improve job and skills opportunities for Londoners and the capital's employers.
Find out more about the London Skills and Employment Board
Contact: Helen Johnston, head of children's services
Communications awards
Camden has won a prestigious Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) award for its 'Smokefree Camden' campaign, which promoted the health and environmental benefits of the smoking ban introduced by the government last year. The award, sponsored by London Councils, was one of several presented to local authorities for outstanding communications work across the country.
Read London Councils' press release
Contact: Ceri Edwards, director of communications
Public protection report
The Ministry of Justice has published its annual Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) report, outlining how the government ensures the monitoring and supervision of serious offenders who pose a risk to their community. The report aims to inform and build public confidence in the risk management system, which involves local authority services and is designed to protect communities.
Contact: Stewart Henderson, media manager
