London has knocked New York from the top spot to claim the title of best city in the world in an international survey.In a global comparison of the 30 most influential centres, the UK capital was ranked first overall and also for economic clout, technology readiness and as a city gateway; meaning it is an excellent transport hub and tourist destination.It is the first time London has taken top billing since the launch six years ago of PwC’s Cities of Excellence, a worldwide report with 59 indicators rating everything from health, education and ease of doing business to cost of living and and sustainability.PwC partner David Snell, author of the report, told City A.M.: “There’s no more potent a reminder of what sustainable growth looks like than the view of London when you draw the dots between our ranking on higher education, technology access, skills, attractiveness for foreign direct investment, and ease of doing business.”As well as claiming first place in three of 10 key areas, London was ranked second – behind Paris – for intellectual capital and innovation, and was pipped to the post by Sydney in the “demographics and livability” section, which ranks favourite places to live and work.Surprisingly, given Mark Carney’s worries, London is in the top 10 for housing. But the cost of business occupancy is third highest.