Commenting on the governments publication of their new Green Book, Antonia Jennings, said: 

“Decades of politics have pitted London against the UK. It needs to stop.

London is the economic engine for the whole country. Alongside the South East, it is one of only two regions that contributes more to the Treasury than it receives, helping fund projects nationwide.

But London’s success isn’t guaranteed. Productivity in the capital has stalled, damaging the wider UK economy.  If the government continues to extract revenue from the capital without providing additional tools to invest in infrastructure and housing in the capital, it risks undermining the funding that the rest of the UK relies on.

While the city as a whole is economically wealthy, too many of its people are not. One in four Londoners live in poverty after housing costs. With a population of nine million, dismissing London’s challenges means abandoning millions of people in struggling communities.

Three things must change. First, the government should stop positioning London in opposition to the UK. London doesn’t exist without the support of the UK and the UK thrives when its capital city prospers. We can and do work hand-in-hand, economically and socially to ensure all corners of the UK thrive – this symbiotic relationship must be politically acknowledged and supported.

Second, the government must recognise both London’s contributions and its needs.

Third, to allow national government to redistribute funds without negatively affecting the capital, London must be given powers to raise more of its own revenue –  through borrowing against future growth and devolved fiscal powers.

London is proud to support the UK, from cities like Manchester to small coastal towns. But using the struggles of London and Londoners as a political football is not just tired – it’s a hindrance to the whole country’s success. Fairly including the capital in funding decisions is essential if we are to maximise the relationship the UK has with its capital.”