The commission’s goal was to recommend ways for the South East of England to maintain its economic success and its position as one of Europe’s most prosperous regions, while at the same time enhancing its environment and improving the wellbeing and quality of life of all its citizens. It took into account the position of the South East with regards to London as a world city and as the frontier to mainland Europe, as well as considering the UK’s interregional disparities.

The commission resulted in this final report, as well as the following working papers:

• Going for Growth: Comparing the South East’s Economic Performance   
  Peter Robinson, ippr, 18th October 2004.
  
• The Problems of Success: Reconciling Economic Growth and Quality of Life in the South East   
  Julie Foley, ippr, 22nd November 2004.
  
• Keeping the South East Moving   
  Julie Foley, Nathan Sansom and Tony Grayling, ippr, 15th February 2005.
  
• Managing Water Resources and Flood Risk in the South East   
  Louise Every and Julie Foley, ippr, 21st March 2005.
  
• Meeting Housing Needs in the South East   
  Anthony Vigor and Peter Robinson, ippr, 7th April 2005.

The Commission was supported by the South East Counties and  PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP .

Commissioners

Cllr Sir Sandy Bruce-Lockhart OBE, Leader of Kent (chair)
Cllr Nick Skellett, Leader of Surrey and Chair of South East England Regional Assembly
Richard Shaw, Chief Executive of Surrey
Baroness Barbara Young, Chief Executive of Environment Agency
Nick Pearce, ippr director
Alistair Rose, Regional Chairman for the South East, PwC
Robert Douglas, Deputy Chair of the South East England Development Agency
Cllr Dame Jane Roberts, Leader of Camden
Nicholas Boles, Director of Policy Exchange
Dr Valerie Ellis, Member of the Sustainable Development Commission
Sue Regan, former Director of Policy, Shelter
Chris Huhne, MP for Eastleigh