Newham has the second-least vibrant economy in the country, a new report by an international accountancy firm has claimed.
Grant Thornton UK LLP released its Vibrant Economy Index today – which measures prosperity, health, wellbeing, house prices, happiness and equality alongside more traditional indicators – and put Newham above just one other local authority – neighbouring Barking and Dagenham.
The firm’s CEO said the results show London risks becoming an “unbalanced society” failing to “reach its potential”.
“Economic growth alone cannot guarantee London’s future success,” Sacha Romanovitch said.
She added: “We must create a city where all in our city are able to contribute. Where people feel happy and healthy, included and feel part of their community.”
Among the 52 measures of vibrancy, fuel poverty, obesity levels, air quality and crime rates are included next to average salaries and educational attainment.
Newham was found to have the second-highest childhood obesity rate in London (27.47 per cent) and third-highest anxiety levels.
Top of the list of London economies was Richmond-upon-Thames, scoring 108 in the Vibrant Economy Index compared to Newham’s 96.46 and Barking and Dagenham’s 92.09.
Barnet came second with 105.26, while in third was Camden with 105.17.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here