for onsite service
key issues 159: 03 December 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
Policy conference
A free, one day conference on key policy issues will take place on 26 February 2009 at Church House, Westminster. Aimed at senior council officers across disciplines and partner organisations, the conference provides an opportunity for policy makers and practitioners to look at familiar problems from a fresh perspective. The morning plenary sessions will be followed by separate sessions on choice and service equality, coping with changing populations, the roles of other service areas in the planning system, and 2012. Early booking is recommended.
Find out more about the conference
Contact: Emma Stewart, promotions manager
Walking and cycling
London Councils has launched two new reports on breaking down barriers to cycling and walking in the capital. The proposals, produced in conjunction with Living Streets, the London Cycling Campaign and Walk London, form part of a vision for healthier, more sustainable transport and aim to influence the Mayor of London’s next transport strategy.
Read London Councils’ press release
Contact: Ruth Bradshaw, head of infrastructure policy
Planning Bill
The Planning Bill, which aims to streamline the planning permission process, received Royal Assent on 26 November. The Act will impact particularly on large infrastructure projects and introduces powers for local authorities to charge a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) on new developments. London Councils continues to have concerns about the Act, particularly the CIL, but welcomes the government’s commitment to consult on regulations for this in spring next year.
Read more details on the CLG website
Contact: Ruth Bradshaw, head of infrastructure policy
Local government finance settlement
Local government finance settlements for 2009/10 and 2010/11 were announced in the House of Commons last week. Twenty four of London’s 33 local authorities are on the grant floor, with these authorities receiving the bare minimum increase set by the government. London Councils has already warned that the population data and formula used to determine the current three-year funding settlement were flawed, leaving London’s councils underfunded to deliver services.
Read London Councils’ briefing
Read more details on the CLG website
Contact: Nicola Morton, head of local government finance (technical)
Housing association rationalisation
A pilot study set up by the Housing Corporation to improve rationalisation within social housing has produced some early findings in the two pilot boroughs of Havering and Croydon. The study, supported by London Councils, aims to improve fragmented social housing management in London, which has on average 40 different housing associations operating within each borough. The Tenant Services Authority (TSA) will issue a publication including national case studies early in 2009.
Read more about the pilot’s findings
Contact: Nick Day, head of special projects
Accessibility survey
Mayor of London Boris Johnson has commissioned a survey to learn more about accessibility issues for Londoners moving in and around the capital in the run up to the London 2012 Games. The survey focuses on difficulties faced by disabled and deaf Londoners, parents with prams and older people and is part of a wider consultation document, ‘Equal Life Chances For All’, launched last month to encourage greater diversity and opportunities for all Londoners.
Read more about the consultation
New closure powers
Local authorities and the police have new powers to close businesses or buildings involved in persistent anti-social behaviour. The new 'premises closure order', which came into force this week, allows authorities to apply to magistrates’ courts to close privately owned or rented accommodation as a last resort if they cause significant and persistent disorder in the local community.
Read the Home Office’s press release
Contact: Doug Flight, head of safer communities
Haringey resignations
Cllr George Meehan leader of the London borough of Haringey and Cllr Liz Santry, lead member for children and young people, resigned on Monday in advance of the report into the death of Baby P. Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls, ordered that the borough’s director of children's services Sharon Shoesmith be removed from her post, and other staff have been suspended.
Read statement by Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls
Read statements by Haringey deputy leader Cllr Lorna Reith and chief executive Dr Ita O’Donovan
