This policy briefing summarises the results of a study of Pro-Poor LED commissioned by the World Bank and implemented by Rhodes University, Khanya-aicdd, and the University of Witwatersrand. Some key findings revealed that the definition and understanding of LED shows wide variation. LED is unevenly developed and operationalised across the South African urban system where major divides exist between the largest, well resourced and capacitated municipalities and the smaller urban centres. This is demonstrated by the variability of capacity, staffing and resourcing which severely limits impact. On the ground the results of LED interventions seem limited and the impacts are poorly understood and monitored.