London overspill

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London overspill is the term given to the communities created - largely consisting of council houses - as a result of the policy of moving residents out of Greater London, England into other towns around the South East and East Anglia.

The policy was instigated in the 1930s but started in earnest after World War II, as a reaction to the housing shortages caused by enemy bombing and large amounts of substandard housing in the capital. This policy existed until the late 1970s reinforced by a widespread dislike of ribbon development. Started by the London County Council the task was completed by its successor, the Greater London Council. Also in the 1960s the Location of Offices Bureau dispersed office workers away from the capital.

As well as the New Towns numerous other towns, such as Andover, Aylesbury, Basingstoke, Banbury, Huntingdon and Haverhill were designated to receive the capital's re-homed. In certain places, where the incomers did not easily blend in with the local residents, the term could be used in a derogatory way.

Currently the Thames Gateway scheme is being promoted along similar lines.