economic growth
Councils are addressing skills gaps and unemployment, while also lobbying for infrastructure and investing in local initiatives to boost economic growth.
Redbridge Council launched a new strategy in October 2026 to address skills gaps and boost economic growth, aiming to support residents into better jobs and encourage businesses. This follows earlier discussions in July 2026 by the Regeneration and Economic Development Committee on tackling youth unemployment and ensuring new housing developments create local job opportunities. Ealing Council's 'Ealing Pride in Place' programme also aims to boost job creation in Southall from July 2026.
Bexley Council is continuing its lobbying efforts to secure the extension of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Belvedere, as confirmed by Councillor Cameron Smith in October 2026. Separately, the City of London Corporation is supporting a pilot for a Digital Verification Orchestrator, established in February 2026, to streamline information sharing in the financial sector and support economic growth. Richmond Council formally objected to the government's Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement in August 2026.
Barking and Dagenham Council was recognised in October 2026 as the top-performing local authority in England for determining planning applications within statutory timescales for the fifth consecutive year. In November 2025, Bromley Council's Pension Fund considered investing approximately £72 million locally to boost economic growth. Greenwich Council also announced a £2.5 million investment in culture in October 2025 to strengthen its cultural landscape and drive economic growth.
Key facts
- Bexley Council is continuing lobbying efforts to secure the extension of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Belvedere. Source
- Redbridge Council launched a new strategy in October 2026 to address skills gaps and boost economic growth. Source
- Barking and Dagenham Council achieved a 100% success rate in determining planning applications within statutory timescales for the fifth consecutive year. Source
- The City of London Corporation is supporting a Digital Verification Orchestrator pilot, established in February 2026. Source
- Richmond Council formally objected to the government's Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement in August 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 22 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.