South London council leaders welcome the London Growth Plan, the capital's roadmap for economic growth over the next decade. 

The South London Partnership (SLP) is a cross-political party sub-regional collaboration of five London boroughs: Croydon, Kingston upon Thames, Merton, Richmond upon Thames and Sutton.

The plan recognises that London's continued growth depends on strong, connected local economies across the city – not just in the centre the councils say.

It follows the Mayor of London's commitment to creating 150,000 new high-quality jobs by 2030 and returning London to pre-financial crisis growth rates, generating an extra £103 billion for the Treasury and putting £20,000 more in Londoners' pockets over the next 10 years.  

Councillor Gareth Roberts, Chair of the South London Partnership and Leader of Richmond Council, said: "South London is a powerhouse of talent, innovation, and enterprise – driving growth across frontier industries, professional services, creative sectors, and environmental research.

"The London Growth Plan rightly recognises that London's future success depends on strong local economies like ours," said Councillor Roberts.

South London, home to more than 1.2 million people, drives a £30 billion economy, supporting 550,000 jobs and 55,000 businesses.

SLP believe the area is a hub of innovation, hosting world-class institutions like the London Cancer Hub, Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, and the National Physical Laboratory, alongside iconic sporting landmarks and tourist attractions such as Twickenham Stadium, Wimbledon's All England Club, Selhurst Park, Chessington World of Adventures and Hampton Court Palace. 

According to the group, the SLP's BIG South London programme, since January 2021, has added more than £32 million GVA to the local economy by supporting over 850 businesses and organisations.

Some of the aims of London Growth Plan are for better transport links around the capital and more reliable digital infrastructure which SLP say it already

SLP say it is already on track to deliver some of the London Growth Plan ambitions but calls for better transport links and more reliable digital infrastructure.

While South London is already delivering on many of the ambitions in the London Growth Plan, leaders are calling for: 

Cllr Roberts added: "The London Growth Plan sets out an exciting vision – and South London is key to making it happen.

"We are ambitious for our future to ensure growth is truly inclusive and sustainable.

"To fully deliver on this vision, we will also need investment in infrastructure — better transport and stronger digital connectivity — so businesses, workers, and communities can fully benefit from future opportunities. We look forward to working with partners across London to make this vision a reality."

This spring, the SLP will release its own ambitious growth plan, outlining how the sub-region will continue to drive investment, innovation, and long-term growth for businesses and residents.

We want to provide Twickenham with more and more clickbait-free local news. To do that, we need a loyal newsletter following. Help us survive and sign up for our free weekly newsletter by clicking the link HERE.