Economic Growth
Councils are focusing on local economic growth strategies, including employment, skills, and efficient planning, while addressing major infrastructure impacts.
Redbridge Council's Regeneration and Economic Development Committee was scheduled to consider its Economic Growth and Investment Strategy and a Local Skills Improvement Plan in October 2026, aiming to address youth unemployment and a 22.1% economic inactivity rate. Also in October 2026, Barking and Dagenham Council was recognised for determining all planning applications within statutory timescales for the fifth consecutive year. In August 2026, Richmond Council formally objected to the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement, citing concerns over surface access, noise, and air quality.
Ealing Council launched its £1.4 million 'Ealing Pride in Place' programme in July 2026 to revitalise high streets and support local economic growth, with phased delivery starting in 2026-27. In November 2025, Bromley Council's Pension Fund explored investing approximately £72 million locally to boost economic growth, as deliberated by its Local Pension Board. Greenwich Council announced a £2.5 million investment in culture in October 2025 to strengthen the cultural landscape and drive economic growth.
Economic growth refers to an increase in the production of goods and services within an economy, often measured by output per head of population. Councils aim to foster this through various initiatives, including job creation, skills development, and strategic investments, to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for their communities.
Key facts
- Barking and Dagenham Council achieved a 100% success rate in determining planning applications within statutory timescales for the fifth consecutive year in October 2026. Source
- Richmond Council formally objected to the government's Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement in August 2026. Source
- Redbridge Council is developing an economic growth strategy to address a 22.1% economic inactivity rate, as highlighted in July 2026. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
- Ealing Council's 'Ealing Pride in Place' programme has a £1.4 million budget to support local economic growth, launched in July 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 15 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.