“The acid test for this Spending Review is whether the Government’s rhetoric on growth is matched with the investment needed to kickstart the economy. “The Chancellor has delivered some welcome additional spending on infrastructure, transport and skills. But it looks like London has been left short-changed. “The Government’s growth mission can only be achieved by unlocking the full potential of London. As a UK-wide engine of growth, the capital accounts for a quarter of the country’s economy. Its substantial net contribution to the public coffers rightly supports spending in other parts of the country but must also enable London to grow. “While the certainty provided by a four-year funding deal for Transport for London is welcome, the lack of certainty around delivering shovel-ready projects like the DLR to Thamesmead and Bakerloo line extension that could accelerate growth, create new jobs and open up sites for tens of thousands of new homes is baffling. “The significant boost to investment in affordable housing and a long-term rent settlement will go some way towards tackling the housing crisis. But it remains to be seen how much of that money will flow to London where the housing crisis is most acute – poverty in London after housing costs remains the highest in the country. “The onus is now on the upcoming 10-year infrastructure strategy and the industrial strategy to fill in the blanks as well as ensuring that London has the tools it needs to play its full part in the growth mission through further devolution.” Our Chief Executive John Dickie on today's Spending Review: lnkd.in/eFrKvBMC

Huge thanks to everyone who joined our packed @UKREiiF programme this week, and special thanks to our sponsors @BarrattHomes, Kanda Consulting and @ArcadisUK. Great to be joined by @JulesPipe and @clairekholland to hear about how all levels of London government are working together to tackle the city's housing crisis. Exciting to bring industry leaders together as we announce the finalists for this year's Building London Planning Awards - see who's in the running here 🏆⬇ businessldn.co.uk/news-publi… #BLPA25