London Development Agency

The London Development Agency (LDA) was a regional development body established in 2000 as part of the UK government’s initiative to devolve greater powers to London. It functioned as the economic development arm of the Greater London Authority (GLA) and was one of nine Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) across England.

The LDA was responsible for promoting sustainable economic growth in London. Its work included funding regeneration projects, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), improving skills and employment access, and investing in infrastructure and innovation—particularly in underserved or high-unemployment areas.

In 2012, the London Development Agency was abolished, with most of its responsibilities and assets transferred to the Mayor of London and the GLA as part of broader reforms to streamline public bodies and reduce administrative costs. This transfer was formalized under the Localism Act 2011, which allowed the GLA to directly manage London's economic development through bodies such as the GLA Group and newer agencies like the London Economic Action Partnership (LEAP).

Today, the GLA continues to handle the strategic economic functions once managed by the LDA, integrating them more closely with planning, transport, housing, and environment strategies across London.

Keywords: London Development Agency, LDA, Greater London Authority, GLA, Localism Act, economic development, regional development agency, LEAP, Mayor of London, urban regeneration, public body reform