25th May 2010

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, today launched a new report of the findings of the Outer London Commission. The document is the most comprehensive account to date of what is happening in the Outer London Boroughs in terms of economic prosperity. Sixty per cent of the London population live in outer London boroughs, yet historically, City Hall policy has focused largely on central London at the expense of the outer London boroughs. The new reports highlights among other points that while outer London provides two fifths of the capital’s jobs, these have been growing at little more than half the rate of those in inner London. The report describes Outer London boroughs as 'economically static'.

To address these concerns the Mayor set up the Outer London Commission to identify untapped potential in the outer boroughs, all with a key role to play in the economic success of London as a whole. The Commission went on to identify what it feels are the factors currently limiting the prosperity of certain areas, and recommended policies and proposals for future development. The Commission looked at ways in which different parts of the existing economy might explore otential sources of new growth in the green and creative industries and improvements to the transport system.

The Commission concluded that outer London’s potential to contribute to the wider economy cannot be measured simply in terms of the number of jobs. In fact, one of the greatest economic assets provided by outer London boroughs is the quality of life of its residents, including new housing. The mayor hopes to build on the on-going work in outer London boroughs such as increasing policing at transport hubs, planting new trees, improving parks, re-opening and extending the East London Line and lobbying for projects such as Crossrail.

Boris Johnson said: ‘During these challenging economic times, it is vitally important to do everything we possibly can to ensure that everyone gets a chance to contribute to and benefit from the economic strength and diversity of the capital. Tapping into and investing in the economy of Outer London boroughs is absolutely key to achieving this.

‘This report provides detailed research and analysis on the outer London economy as well as essential background for understanding the challenges and opportunities it faces. My vision is for a capital city which is integrated, dynamic and forward thinking where Outer London boroughs work hand in hand with Inner London to achieve a strong and vibrant economy.’

The Outer London Commission have defined Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Kingston, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond, Sutton and Waltham Forest as outer London Boroughs. Sixty per cent of the London population live in outer London boroughs.

The Outer London Commission Board members are:

• William McKee, CBE, Chair
• Sir Terry Farrell, Adviser on architecture and civic design
• Colin Stanbridge, CEO London Chamber of Commerce
• Cllr Mike Fisher, LB Croydon (London Councils)
• Cllr Clyde Loakes, LB Waltham Forest (London Councils)
• Cllr Serge Lourie, LB Richmond –upon-Thames (London Councils)
• Robert Heskett, Land Securities
• Nigel Keen, John Lewis Partnership
• Peter Eversden, London Forum of Amenity and Civic Societies
• Corinne Swain, Arup
• Professor Ian Gordon, London School of Economics
• Peter Rogers/Peter Bishop, London Development Agency
• Peter Hendy, Transport for London
• Tony Pidgley, Berkeley Group

Click below for a copy of:

Outer London Commission Report, 3.55MB
Outer London Commission Report Annexes, 2.0MB