by Chair of Central London Forward, Cllr Adam Hug
Central London Forward’s Strategy
For the Government to meet its mission for economic growth, London needs to thrive. It may seem obvious, but Central London is key to that success. Last week’s launch of the London Growth Plan was a key milestone in our city’s drive for improved economic growth, productivity and living standards.
Despite covid and a shift away from full-time office working, Central London remains the “jewel in the UK’s crown”. When we succeed here in Central London, wealth and jobs are spread out across the rest of the country. Every £1 of consumption in the capital generates 24p of production elsewhere in the UK economy.
But Central London’s economy faces real challenges. Productivity growth has stalled in recent years and the capital has the highest levels of poverty of any part of the UK. That’s partly because Central London is at the sharp end of the housing crisis, with the worst levels of affordability and the highest homelessness anywhere in the UK.
To tackle this, Central London needs to speak as one voice on the national stage, championing our region and its importance to the economy.
Central London Forward is a partnership of the 12 central London local authorities, working together to support inclusive and sustainable growth so the central London economy thrives, and all residents and communities benefit from the opportunities this creates. We recently refreshed our strategy, and its breadth reflects the range of challenges we face.
As the Chair of Central London Forward, I am determined that Central London’s success is not simply taken for granted. Central London is the engine of the UK economy, and so we need to be part of the Government’s thinking when it comes to growth, investment and devolution. The Central London Forward Strategy and the Mayor of London’s Growth Plan both demonstrate how willing London is to make a contribution to kickstarting economic growth and raising living standards, but also what support we need to realise our collective ambitions.
We believe that by harnessing our region’s potential, working with local authorities and making the case for investment in Central London, we can deliver inclusive and sustainable growth. That would mean more good jobs, higher wages and lower housing costs for all Londoners, and more growth in the wider UK economy.
Central London Forward will be focused on creating a thriving economy that supports Londoners into work in new, growing sectors, an inclusive economy that supports all central London residents to access decent work and gain the skills they need, and by working to secure investment in housing, infrastructure and the net zero transition.
Only then will the UK’s jewel shine brighter than ever before.
