WAVERLEY has been ranked the second most prosperous local authority area in the UK.
It has risen from number three – out of a total of 379 – in the annual survey published by the Centre for UK Prosperity.
The think-tank Legatum Institute’s UK Prosperity Index assesses how each local authority area is performing in terms of institutional, economic and social well-being.
“I have also been humbled by the way our communities have rallied around to support those most affected by the pandemic over the past 15 months, and it is very clear to me why we score so highly on the social capital pillar.”
Social capital includes trust in institutions, civic participation, social networks and strong family relationships.
In Surrey, Waverley scored lowest for infrastructure, which includes transport, utilities and communications.
Cllr Follows said: “This is the key area that requires improvement in our borough.
“The council introduced the Community Infrastructure Levy on new development in 2019 to address this issue, and I’ll be challenging Surrey County Council and the government on their infrastructure investment criteria, which often means areas like Waverley are less of a priority.”
Six of the UK’s most prosperous areas are in Surrey, with Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell, Woking, Surrey Heath and Guildford also in the top ten.
East Hampshire was rated the 15th most prosperous area in the UK, up from 24th last year. Its best categories were its investment environment (seventh), governance (23rd) and safety and security (35th), while the worst were infrastructure (207th) and personal freedom (269th).
Economic development portfolio holder Cllr Ken Moon said: “We are delighted to see East Hampshire performing well against the measurements used to compile this index. East Hampshire District Council has officers dedicated to economic development and to regeneration who are focused on helping the district grow and prosper.
“Through supporting small businesses, apprenticeship schemes, place-making and attracting investment into the area, we can help keep the district moving in the right direction.
“The pandemic has seen many industry sectors suffer very badly over the past year or so, but the council has done everything it can to help businesses remain buoyant and, with coronavirus restrictions being peeled back, we hope the recovery can now really begin.
“Our message throughout the recent crisis has been to shop local whenever the restrictions allow, and the best thing we can all do now is return to our town centres and support our local businesses.”
Of the other authorities in Hampshire, Hart was sixth, Winchester 13th, Fareham 16th, Rushmoor 25th, Basingstoke and Deane 28th, Eastleigh 34th, Test Valley 35th, New Forest 66th, Havant 69th, Gosport 100th, Portsmouth 142nd and Southampton 171st.