The suburbs could help London’s economy into recovery, claims a London Councils’ report.

The report shows that prompt investment in the suburbs will put London in a very strong position when it emerges from the current economic downturn, and warns that if action is not taken it could cost the capital both financially and through loss of skills.

The report recommends the introduction of a town centre and district improvement programme to put high streets back at the heart of the community, the provision of more modern office space to attract businesses and entrepreneurs, including facilities for small businesses and home-workers, the alteration of housing policy to reflect demand from residents, especially the growing population of young families.

The report also calls for public transport links to be improved, the investment into community facilities such as hospitals, schools, parks and cultural facilities and the reduction of the suburbs’ carbon footprint by lowering people’s reliance on cars, reducing air pollution and making buildings more energy efficient.