10 factors that support prosperity in east London
“Prosperity is different for everyone but for me it means we can feel at home, the kids can grow and learn, we feel safe and everyone in the community sort of feeds off each other.”
Ben, early 40s, lives with his wife and two children in Hackney, 2015
When people were asked to identify the factors most important to their own prosperity,
the most common responses people offered were:
A secure livelihood, meaning a combination of: secure, regular and decent work that provides a reliable and adequate income; access to genuinely affordable housing; access to critical public services like childcare and schools; social, economic & digital inclusion
A good quality of life, which includes a balance between work and time with family, choice and control, and security
The capacity to remain resident in neighbourhoods experiencing rapid social and economic transformation
Feeling part of the local community, maintaining good relations with neighbours and community cohesion
Having a place in the changes underway in East London, and feeling that local people are included in processes of change
Opportunities for education and self-development
A secure future for young people
Local businesses benefiting from investment in East London
Living in a healthy environment
Living in safe neighbourhoods, with a sense of security when walking at nights and low crime rates
“Without the foundations in place, well you can’t have a good life can you. ‘Doing well’ you know it’s about living the good life ... about being able to choose the job you take - a decent job. Having time to do something in the community, spend time with family and friends, take a break, have a hobby, feel like you’re part of what’s going on. It’s not just about money.”
Institute for Global Prosperity, 22 May 2019, Rethinking Prosperity for London: When Citizens Lead Transformation, ISBN 978-1-913041-01-4, p. 16