The capital's growth priorities: culture, housing, transport, and devolution – London’s Mayoralty at 25

As we wrap up our London’s Mayoralty at 25 series, one message stands out: London’s future will be shaped by ambition and collaboration. Across culture, housing, transport, and governance, this year’s discussions revealed both the scale of the challenge and the opportunities to lead.

Our final session of the year saw Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries, join our Culture Council to underline why culture is not a side note but a strategic asset – ​‘the golden thread’ running through London’s success. From the Elizabeth Line opening up access to cultural spaces to the vibrant Culture Mile BID, we explored how cultural inclusion fuels growth.

Earlier in the year, housing dominated the conversation when Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, highlighted the stark reality: 88,000 homes needed annually, yet only 32,000 delivered last year. Rising costs and regulatory hurdles persist, but progress is possible, from a record £11.7 billion Affordable Homes Programme to plans for new towns. London knows what London needs – now it needs the powers to deliver.

Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor for Transport, joined us in June to underline transport’s role as a critical enabler of growth. From Oyster and contactless to the Elizabeth Line, these innovations have transformed how London moves and connects. The Spending Review 2025 delivered a four-year funding settlement for TfL – welcome news that BusinessLDN has long championed to secure stability for the network. More recently, the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget confirmed backing for the DLR extension to Thamesmead, another priority we’ve consistently advocated for – a shovel-ready project that will unlock thousands of homes and jobs. 

And on governance, Howard Dawber OBE, Deputy Mayor for Business, reminded us that devolution has benefitted London – but the story isn’t over. Greater devolution and fiscal flexibility would allow the capital to accelerate growth, unlock infrastructure, and housing at scale. The tools to match ambition are essential.

Thank you to our sponsors of the London’s Mayoralty at 25 series for 2025: Uber (Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance), Knight Dragon (Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, Tom Copley), Arup (Deputy Mayor for Business, Howard Dawber OBE), and Culture Mile (Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries, Justine Simons OBE).

Culture isn’t an add-on. Housing isn’t optional. Transport isn’t finished. Devolution isn’t complete. These priorities will define London’s next chapter and its competitive edge. 

Our engagement with the capital’s Deputy Mayors returns in 2026 as the Meet the Deputy Mayor series – to keep the conversation going.