The "Best Places" to Live in the UK: Top Twenty, 2017, Halifax Quality of Life Index

Good news for some...

From Lauen Weymouth,  Love Money via MSN

"The tenth annual Halifax Quality of Life Index has ranked 250 districts across the UK to find out where living standards are highest. The research looked at 24 categories including average earnings, employment, health, life expectancy, personal well-being, education and broadband speed".

West Dorset at No. 15:

"The district of West Dorset, which includes towns such as Dorchester, Sherborne, Bridport and Beaminster, jumped up 19 places this year from position 34 in 2015. It is also ranked as the best place to retire to, due to high life expectancy, good health and general affluence".

Purbeck came No 7:

"This Dorset region, which is home to Corfe Castle, Wool, Swanage and Bovington, scored seventh place this year, after not making the top 50 last year. Much like the rest of Dorset, Purbeck is popular for retirees and families alike, as it is one of the safest, most affluent and picturesque areas in the UK".

Winchester came top:

1. WINCHESTER

"The district of Winchester in Hampshire won the top spot in this year's survey. It had one of the highest employment rates in all 250 districts included in the research at 83.1%, compared to a UK average of 73.7%. Crime rates are also among the lowest in the country and the adult population is among the happiest, satisfied, content and least anxious in the UK".

Another article, from The Sunday Times, Money section, August 20, 2017 : Sussex pips Dorset for best retirement

"West Sussex has overtaken Dorset as the best place to retire, according to research from the insurer Prudential last week. The group’s Quality of Retirement Index analyses data about the numbers of pensioners as a proportion of the population of each county; disability-free life expectancy; pension income; and indicators such as crime levels and what the weather is like. The index places Dorset in second place, with East Sussex, Devon and Norfolk following close behind".

Prudential report (pdf)


Last year, Dorset came top - "Best place to retire? Dorset is top of the pops!"

I keep thinking of Grenfell Tower - and the shocking North-South disparities and statistics that were published recently:


People in north England are 20 per cent more likely to die young, New Scientist 

North-South disparities in English mortality 1965–2015: longitudinal population study (9-page research report, pdf) - Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health