Capital prosperity dependent upon collaboration

A new report has claimed that London, the South East and the East of England urgently need greater collaboration to respond to the housing crisis and other challenges and opportunities of growth.

Next-door Neighbours – Collaborative Working Across the London Boundary, published by the Centre for London and the Southern Policy Centre, says that he regions are sharing significant challenges, most notably in meeting housing and infrastructure needs for current and future growth.

According to the think tanks, wider South East local authorities will need to deliver over 150,000 homes every year of the next decade – 59 per cent of England’s assessed housing need. Additionally, the areas with greatest increases in the numbers of residents commuting to London between 2002 and 2016 have also seen their housing market become less affordable for residents who work locally.

Therefore, the report argues that, London and its neighbours should develop a shared vision for the future and a strategy for joint action.

Richard Brown, research director at Centre for London, said: “The Wider South East is the hub of the UK’s economy. As commuting flows increase and business connections multiply, the region’s future economic success depends on London and its neighbours stepping up their commitment to working together.

“The London Plan sets a framework for collaboration, but we believe partners need to go further, by developing a shared agenda for action, and considering a more formalised structure, recognised and supported by government. The Southern Superhub needs to take its place alongside the Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine.”