Stories is one of a new breed of property developers seeking to ensure the benefits of development are spread more widely among the community using better ways of engaging with people and politicians, to win support and find better solutions for projects, but also because that will help drive long-term value. Investors too, he finds, are also increasingly keen on longer-lasting solutions.

Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz of Newham, the first female directly elected mayor of a London borough, believes people must be involved in decision-making to improve the design of both the built environment and the way local authorities provide services. Finding 'hard to hear' voices and giving them a say is a powerful tool in improving opportunity and reducing inequality she argues. Her approach could herald a change in the way we organise society to tackle challenges highlighted by 2020.

Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz of Newham, the first female directly elected mayor of a London borough, believes people must be involved in decision-making to improve the design of both the built environment and the way local authorities provide services. Finding 'hard to hear' voices and giving them a say is a powerful tool in improving opportunity and reducing inequality she argues. Her approach could herald a change in the way we organise society to tackle challenges highlighted by 2020.