Redbridge Council is actively exploring strategies to ensure that new housing developments translate into local job opportunities and economic benefits for residents. The Regeneration and Economic Development Committee met on Thursday, July 9, 2026, to discuss its work plan for the upcoming year, with a significant focus on economic growth and regeneration. The meeting's discussions are detailed in the Public reports pack.
During the meeting, Director of Regeneration and Growth, Tom Dewey, presented the council's framework for regeneration, highlighting the borough's strengths, such as its transport connectivity, and its challenges, including a higher-than-average economic inactivity rate. Redbridge boasts excellent transport links, with four Elizabeth Line stations, ten Central Line stations, and strong road, bus, and airport connections. It also benefits from extensive green spaces, including nine Green Flag Award Parks. However, the borough faces a key challenge with an economic inactivity rate of 22.1%, which is higher than the London average.
A key area of discussion was the development of an economic growth strategy, which will encompass employment, skills, and inward investment. Councillors raised several pertinent questions regarding how to ensure that inward investment benefits the local economy. Councillor Kallan Greybe specifically inquired about schemes to keep capital within Redbridge. Mr. Dewey responded that this is a key consideration in policy formulation and that developing the economic growth strategy is important for tackling these issues. He also emphasised the importance of ensuring residents can earn enough to spend locally, fostering a circular economy. Elizabeth Hannum added that maximizing social value through commissioning and planning frameworks, and exploring community wealth building models, are also crucial.
Councillor Erza Doda also questioned the potential job creation linked to the planned 6,000 new homes, particularly concerning adaptations for people with specific needs. The council is committed to ensuring that these developments contribute to local employment and economic prosperity.
The committee also discussed the regeneration strategy, which will focus on town centres, high streets, and commercial vitality. 
The committee agreed to delegate to the Chair, Councillor Ben Cornish, in consultation with officers, to determine the specific topics for future meetings within the broader headings of the economic growth and regeneration strategies. The next meeting is scheduled for October 15, 2026.
