18 May 2021
Woking ranked fifth in UK Prosperity Index
Woking has been recognised as one of the best local authority areas in the country to live, work and play according to a research study.
The UK Prosperity Index, published by The Legatum Institute (13 May), looked at 12 different aspects of how an area is performing. All 379 local authority areas were looked at by the study, with Woking coming in fifth – behind Epsom and Ewell, Elmbridge, Waverley and Wokingham.
Cllr Ayesha Azad, Leader of Woking Borough Council, said: “Making Woking a great place to live, work and do business is important if we are to build a place that attracts investment, creates jobs and where people want to live.
“When people enjoy where they live and take pride in their area, we know they are more likely to get involved in the community and pass these benefits on.
“This study also tells us Woking is going in the right direction because over the past decade, we have moved from seventh to fifth best overall.
“That shows that the council’s work to support local businesses has paid off but it’s also about people too. We have striven to improve living conditions through better tenants services and regeneration and look after people’s health. I’m pleased this is reflected in the study.”
In March Woking powered its way to the top in the UK Vitality Index 2021, the ‘definitive health check on the UK’s towns and cities’ by another research company, Lambert Smith Hampton. This assessed locations outside London to identify those with the highest growth potential.
Cllr Azad continued: “It’s been a turbulent year and these reports are useful in confirming that the support the council has been giving and the work it has been doing are having a medium and long-term positive impact.
“I’m really excited for the year ahead, which will see the transformation of our town centre, new affordable homes in Sheerwater and the opening of the Eastwood Leisure Centre.”
A copy of the UK Prosperity Index 2021 can be downloaded from The Legatum Institute website.
