This year marks the centenary of the Becontree estate in Dagenham, east London. The largest council estate in Europe, Becontree symbolised the country’s determination to build back better following the First World War. By replacing overcrowded and dangerous slum housing with new, high-quality homes, it showed what could be achieved when local government was given the powers and resources to tackle the key social challenges of the day.

The 2021 Spending Review comes at a similarly pivotal moment. The post-pandemic economic recovery hangs in the balance – and London boroughs are urging the Government to give us the tools we need to drive the rapid, green, and inclusive growth that will benefit the whole country.