Shaping London’s economic future

Notes:

• London has too many cars. As a consequence, we have unacceptable levels of pollution and congestion. A big problem is that public transportation is either too slow or too expensive. Better cycling infrastructure can also improve this. Also, cycling and cyclists deserve more respect.
• I like my local street, although promoting small independent business should be a priority. When profits stay local, communities are in a better position to thrive.
• Good jobs are available. The problem is that transport and housing are unaffordable and their quality is not laudable.
• Successful economic growth needs to reduce inequality. Young people are suffering from high living costs and see a murky future. Ethnic minorities are struggling due to stigma and deprived backgrounds. We do not need a tide that raises all boats. We need specific action so those who are in a worse situation are better, even if it comes at a cost for those at the top. If we are not willing to compromise wealthy individuals and let those with broader shoulders to take more economic burden (such as wealth, corporate or capital gain taxes), it will be difficult to reach successful inequality-reducing economic growth.

The knife crime and criminality in general that is increasing across London is making it feel less and less safe everyday. When is London to actively police its own laws again so that the majority of us can live without fear for our own safety!

I think London has huge potential, unfortunately it is held back by a lack of quality housing. For a first world country trying to portray London as a world city, the housing that is on offer is really of a substandard quality, and the cost you have to pay to just have a roof over your head is criminal. London needs to accept that it it not a quaint European city anymore, but rather a bustling metropolis and build more homes and expand public transport accordingly.

I see the future of capital in a positive way. I think the capital requires greater investment in our high streets; even more attention paid to public spaces; and continued improvement of the overall transportation network.

What I like the most about the local high street is the variety. What I like the least, though, is that it is not usually pedestrian friendly, cyclists usually have no consideration for people crossing the street (or walking on the sidewalk), and once stores close, the street feels a lot less safe.

Economic growth looks like confidence to me - where everyone feels confident to express themselves, and to find somewhere nice to live and share public spaces with each other.

Policy Suggestion: Prioritizing Quality Improvement for the UK's Economic Productivity

Problem Statement:

The UK's economic productivity is hindered by a prevalent culture of errors, delays, and poor customer service, particularly in areas such as:

Long wait times: Consumers often experience excessive wait times on hold for customer service calls.
No-shows: Promised delivery or service appointments are frequently missed, causing inconvenience and frustration.
Incorrect or missing items: Customers may receive the wrong parts or missing items, leading to delays and additional costs.
Unqualified servicemen: Some businesses employ inadequately trained or unqualified personnel, resulting in poor service quality and potential damage to property.
Disappearing servicemen: In certain cases, servicemen may fail to show up without providing adequate notice or explanation.
Scams: The builder, plumber, and electrician service industries are particularly vulnerable to scams, with consumers being misled or overcharged.
These issues not only frustrate consumers but also negatively impact businesses by increasing costs, damaging reputations, and reducing customer loyalty.

Policy Proposal:

To enhance the UK's economic competitiveness and improve the overall quality of life for its residents, the government should prioritize a "Get It Right the First Time" approach across all sectors of the economy. This policy would focus on reducing errors, delays, and inefficiencies in processes such as customer service, deliveries, repairs, and manufacturing.

Key Strategies:

Promote Quality Management Practices: Encourage businesses to adopt quality management techniques, such as Six Sigma and Lean, which have proven effective in reducing defects and improving efficiency. Provide training and resources to support businesses in implementing these methodologies.
Establish Industry-Specific Quality Standards: Develop and promote clear quality standards and certifications for various industries, including manufactu

Whilst many retail chains are closing it is still Too expensive for startups to access premises around the high streets, Especially retail or street front units. 
Business rates & rents need to be changed so that local people can open businesses in their area. 

A big city's traffic is like the blood vessels of a body. It helps to move people and goods around, just like blood carries nutrients. We don't want traffic to get stuck or clogged, as it can be very frustrating.

London has a good system of underground trains (the Tube), regular trains, and large buses that cover the main and busy roads. However, people who live in or near London still need a way to get to and from their homes.

Many cities around the world have allowed flexible shuttle vans to operate between train stations. These vans are like the small blood vessels (capillaries) that connect to the larger arteries. Modern electric vans are quieter and cleaner than traditional ones, and they can help reduce the need for people to use their own cars. This is good for the environment and can help older people get around more easily. It also creates job opportunities for people who want to drive these vans.

I live in Catford and there has been a significant decline in the last few years. The high street and the local shopping precinct have suffered a real downturn, despite promises of regeneration and improvement every year.
The area has become very intimidating with a growing number of individuals under the influence of drugs and other substances. Individuals are taking illegal substances in doorways of closed up shops on the high street regardless of the time of day. There are regular instances of aggressive behaviour towards passers by from individuals clearly under the influence of drugs/alcohol. This is taking place throughout the day. As a result my family and friends now avoid Catford as much as they can. It does beg the question what is the local council and the police prepared to do about this? There seems to be an acceptance of this type of behaviour as tackling it would require a change in the political narrative.
Walking through Catford’s shopping precinct/high street is not for the faint hearted!
 

I live on Streatham high road. It is car focussed rather than pedestrian. Pedestrians browse and shop - not cars driving past. The public realm is poor (some improvements around the cinema but the rest is lacking green). The environment needs to be greened up and cleaned up. It is being neglected. The catchment area for businesses is huge but we keep getting more chicken shops, vape shops, betting shops and barbers - hardly much use to most people. Locals would spend money where they can socialise - bars restaurants cafes etc. we need proper design proposals

What a ridiculous survey. Few chances to comment and questions can be answered using either a positive or negative opinion which doesn’t get to the hub of the question. 

There is little about rising crime rates and the impact they are having and indeed travel. 

There are many reports of long wait times and difficulties in accessing healthcare services through the National Health Service (NHS), even in emergency situations in this discussion board.

We can learn from a scientist, Dr. Eliyahu Goldratt, who developed the "Theory of Constraints," which has advanced processing in complex systems like healthcare for both profit and non-profit organizations.

In the UK, Mr. Alex Knight, who learned directly from Dr. Goldratt, has successfully worked with local NHS hospitals and clinics to significantly improve patient wait times and treatment.

https://www.qficonsulting.com/alex-knight

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne0L0Ixp3_E

I hope Mr. Knight and His methodology could help make substantial improvements to the NHS without the need for unaffordable spending, ultimately benefiting the health of the British people.

London’s homelessness crisis (https://www.dianeabbott.org.uk/news/articles/item1714). It is clear that this is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive solution rather than piecemeal approaches.

While I cannot fully outline the proposed solution in here, I believe you would find the work of Ms. Kristen Cox, a former civil servant from Utah USA, to be of great interest. She has developed a strategy that has been highly successful in addressing homelessness and other social issues in Utah and other US states. A short video provides an overview of her core principles. https://www.youtube.com/live/RpWmKh25BU8?si=9bmDx_dZGqVJGb9D

I am confident that you will find this approach to be more effective and cost-efficient than current methods.

I encourage you and your colleagues to explore this approach in more detail.

London is an absolutely awful place to live particularly for pensioners, with ULEZ, so many LTNs, limited affordable housing options, prices sky high, local authorities who don’t listen to residents 

Housing shortages in London are a significant problem. Increasing the supply of housing is a crucial step towards addressing this issue.

One possible solution is to allow homeowners on the same street to form a cooperative. This cooperative could then negotiate with developers and local councils to build multi-story buildings on the street.

In exchange for their cooperation, the original homeowners would receive double their current living space. This could mean two apartments: one to continue living in and the other to sell or rent for additional income. The extra units created would be added to the housing market.

By increasing the supply of housing, the market would naturally adjust to more affordable prices, although being a world city, London's housing prices are likely to remain higher than in other UK or European cities.

This approach could help overcome the "Not In My Backyard" (NIMBY) problem, where residents oppose or delay redevelopment plans, which can slow down the housing supply.

By addressing petty crimes (like bike theft, phone snatching) and creating a safer environment, cities can improve their overall quality of life and attract investment and tourism.  

Please refer to Broken Window Theory used in New York city back in 1990's  (The theory states that by stamping out small crimes (such as vandalism, public drinking, and toll-jumping) the signal is sent that no criminal behaviour of any kind will be tolerated. An atmosphere of order and lawfulness is created, and more serious crimes are prevented from taking place.)

the city only needs to focus on stamping out petty crimes as NY, cleaning up the rubbish on the street, re-paint houses with a new coat of paint.  perception is everything, then a city without any ‘broken windows’ suggested a culture of unity, social responsibility and strong values.

Negative behaviours that were previously ‘acceptable’ became uncomfortable because the prevailing culture of the community had changed from one of disorder, negligence and lack of cohesion, to one of unity, social responsibility and strong values.

Quite simply, “if you choose not to abide by the socially acceptable norms and standards of the community, we will not tolerate your behaviour and exclude you.”

The results of the ‘Broken Windows’ strategy in New York were impressive. The rates of both petty crime and serious crime fell dramatically and continued to fall for the rest of the decade.

Businesses and consumers need to prioritize "getting it right the first time" to boost London's economic productivity. This means reducing errors and delays in everything from customer service to deliveries and repairs.

Consumers are frustrated with:

• Long wait times on hold for customer service
• Late or incorrect deliveries
• Issues with returns or missing parts
• No-show repair technicians

These delays cost consumers millions of pounds in lost time.

Businesses also suffer from:

• Replacing incorrect or low-quality products
• Making multiple deliveries to the same address
• Inefficient repair technicians who cannot complete their daily tasks

By focusing on quality improvement, London can grow its economy without additional investment or long wait times. Quality management techniques, like those used by Japan and the United States, can help businesses achieve this goal.

The government can establish and promote industry-specific quality standards and certifications. By recognizing businesses that adhere to these standards, consumers can make informed choices and businesses can gain a competitive advantage.

The thing that makes me feel most unsafe is hire bikes! I've been almost knocked down countless times on crossings by bikes speeding up the inside lane and failing to stop. They need regulating urgently. 

How about a campaign that explains to all cyclists how and why they need to be considerate of pedestrians. A bike jumping lights or riding on the pavement is intimidating to many pedestrians. It would really hurt if one accidentally hit us!

What an odd survey! You ask many questions about 'impact', but impact can be positive or negative. This makes your survey too general to be of any use.

I think London is becoming a more transient city. People come in from elsewhere in the country to find work when they are young and have no intention of staying. They are Londoners for a few years. But I think you need people to live in a city for longer than that to make it a truly wonderful thriving place to live. So although I am an older resident, I think you need to do more to help young families stay in London and to support very young Londoners to access the opportunities. Rent controls would help, more social housing would help, but also big businesses need to work harder to engage and employ young Londoners. The centre of the city is already virtually child free, which is a tragedy, let's not let the whole city become a playground for rich adults.