Pan-London Economic Recovery Framework

London Councils

London Councils commissioned Metro Dynamics to support a Covid-19 recovery framework for London Boroughs in 2022. The overarching aims of the strategy were to: establish a London narrative for recovery with inclusive, economic growth at its centre; strengthen partnership working between boroughs, Sub-Regional Partnerships and the GLA; and lay the groundwork for a subsequent London-wide recovery deal with Government.

Initial steps involved the creation of a city-wide Covid impact evidence base, emphasising the implications of the ‘Zoomshock’ effect, assessing the implications on different London boroughs. This was supported by a review of current policies and interventions designed to support London’s recovery through its ‘9 Missions’. This informed a scenario building exercise, reflecting city-wide thinking about the future of London, alongside our own insights from working with other cities and places. The evidence, policy review, and scenario building all supported our final report and recovery framework. This framework contained a robust set of economic interventions that could support London in achieving a sustainable renewal from Covid-19; we also outlined a set of recommendations in how to implement these interventions, centring on a partnership approach and ‘London as a System’.

Meanwhile, in parallel to this work, we conducted an extensive programme of senior stakeholder engagement with borough Leaders, Sub-Regional Partnerships, GLA senior officers, and business representatives. This engagement helped us better understand the impact of the pandemic and local priorities for the future. Upon completion of the report, we continued that engagement, sharing our narrative, findings and recommendations with senior groups and executive growth directors.