Large inequalities in wealth and shared opportunities have long been a problem in London. Before the Covid-19 crisis, 28% of Londoners were found to be living in poverty, compared to 22% across the UK. The Covid-19 pandemic has amplified pre-existing socioeconomic inequalities in the nation’s capital, with shocking and disproportionate effects seen in relation to factors such as gender, ethnicity, disability and age.
| The widening gap in numbers | |
| 307,000 | More Londoners have made unemployment related claims since March 2020 [1] |
| 23% | Increase in homelessness in the capital in the last quarter of 2020 [2] |
| £350 – £720 | Predicted loss in income for ethnic minority households in London due to tax and welfare changes |
| 1 in 12 | Private renters in London have fallen behind on their rent during lockdown [3] |
Recovery was one of the biggest challenges of 2021. Critical to this was addressing the devastating impact of Covid-19, as well as Brexit, on equalities. With pressures including ongoing crisis management, uncertainty, resource deficit and a lack of joined–up working, it has been hard to know which way to turn.
Future of London’s major 2021 project – Building Recovery: Closing the Gap – shared successful approaches to tackling the equity gap from across the capital, as well as other UK and overseas cities. Linking to London’s recovery missions, themes included: upskilling for green and growth industries, affordable homes, public space, transport, and culture and the arts in London and beyond. The programme shone a light on innovative projects working to close the equity gap and explore how new ways of collaborating across sectors – including communities – can safeguard fairer cities for all.
Case studies
- Co-location in the heart of Deptford, PTE
- Belfast Urban Childhoods, Arup
- Friary Park, Mount Anvil
Past events
29 April, 4 to 5 pm
The ‘Covid decade’: Exploring the long-term implications of Covid-19 and how we jump start recovery
Event write-up and video
18 May, 2 to 3.30 pm
The scale of challenge and opportunity in building recovery roundtable
Event write-up and video
19 May – 14 June
Building recovery survey
Explore the results here
28 July, 2 to 4 pm
Site visit to Aberfeldy, Poplar
Event write-up
11 November, 9.30 am to 3.30 pm
Building recovery conference, Hilton London Tower Bridge
24 February, 10 am to 12 pm
Building recovery: closing the gap recommendations report launch
Get involved
For more information on this project please contact Hannah Gibbs.
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