London’s Future

London Councils polled 1,000 Londoners on infrastructure in their city.

  • By admin

As businesses and the public sector across the capital mark London Tech Week (20-26 June), figures have revealed that over 50 per cent of residents think improving mobile and internet connectivity should be a top or high priority for the capital. 

We asked Londoners representative of London’s age, gender and ethnic profile about energy, housing, transport, digital, health, waste, education and flood defence infrastructure.

According to the research, a quarter of Londoners think the level of investment in mobile and internet connectivity is too low. In addition, just over a third of people under 55 consider digital connectivity to be a high priority compared to under a fifth of people aged over 55.

Now, London Councils – which represents London’s 32 borough councils and the City of London – is calling for the creation of a London Chief Digital Officer post to oversee and champion the capital’s broadband needs.

The research – undertaken by Icaro and Copper Consultancy on behalf of London Councils – also revealed that:

  • 43 per cent of people living in north London felt the level of investment was too low, compared to 34 per cent living in south London.
  • 75 per cent of women said better internet connections should be a high priority for the city, compared to 51 per cent of men.
  • People living in flats and renting (57 per cent and 42 per cent respectively) were more likely to consider digital connectivity a priority than those who are homeowners (42 per cent).