Centre for London is an անկախ think tank based in London, United Kingdom, focused on the capital’s most pressing policy challenges. It describes itself as “London’s independent think tank” and says its aim is to help create “a successful, sustainable London” that works for all Londoners. The organisation works through research, convening and advocacy, turning evidence into practical policy recommendations for decision-makers.
Its scope is primarily local, centred on London, but its work often touches national policy where it affects the city. Centre for London’s current research agenda is organised around three broad themes: developing London, decarbonising London and governing London. In practice, that includes housing, transport, planning, child poverty, public services and the city’s wider economic and political relationship with the rest of the UK.
The organisation produces reports, policy briefs, events and commentary. Recent publications on its website include work on London’s housing crisis, child poverty and growth in outer London, showing a strong focus on concrete policy problems rather than abstract commentary. One of its recurring priorities is housing: it has called for more affordable homes, reforms to the housing market and changes to planning and land policy. It also publishes analysis on roads, pollution, skills and opportunity.
Centre for London was founded in 2011 as a programme within Demos and became an independent registered charity in 2013. It is independent of government and funded through partnerships, membership fees and donations. The organisation’s leadership includes Antonia Jennings, who appears on the site as a senior figure, alongside researchers and policy staff such as Rob Anderson and Daniel Reast.