Like Chris I  was fortunate in living in London and experienced the social programs and education provided by the  old  Labour Controlled London County Council ,the  Governing body at hat time for the  Inner London Region. They not the Conservative Party were instrumental in  improving the important social infrastructure for Londoners. 
I took the opportunity attending Evening Classes to further my education  and  am forever thankful of being able to  attend. There was an ad by the old L.ondon  County Council who were in charge of education ,it had  a number of different occupations featured stating  "I owe it all for attending London's Evening Classes."   It says it all.
Having lived in London through  the 1930's, 1940's 1950's and 1960's  1  have a first hand knowledge and experience of living through  social history there. 
 Read the book by Jerry White "London In The Twentieth Century" an excellent Chronicle.