The leader of Barnet Council has claimed that London as a whole will suffer if there is not greater investment in the capital's suburbs.

Launching a London Councils report today, Councillor Mike Freer said suburban communities in London are being hit "particularly hard" by the recession.

He added: "Investing in their untapped resources, skilled workforce and potential to contribute more to London’s economy will be vital in helping the city emerge from the recession and move towards a stronger and more balanced economy.

"By creating more vibrant high streets with a wider range of shops and businesses, we can attract more people to spend their time and money in their neighbourhood.

"This will revitalise the suburbs and forge a greater sense of community.”

The report, entitled Successful Suburbs: the case for investment in London’s suburban communities, points out that the outer London boroughs account for 60 per cent of the capital's population and a third of its economic output.

It stresses further investment is needed to make use of "underused resources" and ensure the capital is well placed to recover when the economic downturn ends.