People in the South West most satisfied with their local areas

Regional versions of the UK Government's Indicators of Sustainable Development have been published to help provide a perspective of sustainable development in each region.
 
The South West also has amongst the highest proportions of rivers of good quality. Rates of burglary, vehicle theft and violent crime (as estimated by the British Crime Survey) are amongst the lowest of the regions.
 
The proportion of 19-year-olds attaining level 2 qualifications was amongst the highest of the regions. Mortality rates from circulatory disease and cancer were the lowest of the regions and overall life expectancy was amongst the highest.
 
The lowest percentage of journeys was made by public transport in the South West, and the region saw the second lowest reuse of previously developed land for new housing
 
The statistics support the UK Government Sustainable Development Strategy, 'Securing the Future' (published in March 2005), and includes 68 national sustainable development indicators. For 46 of these indicators, for which data are available, it has been possible to produce regional versions for the Government Office Regions.
 
The indicators highlight issues within the priority areas of Sustainable Consumption and Production, Natural Resources, and Sustainable Communities. Other indicators provide useful contextual information. 
 
All the national and regional indicators are reported on the UK Government sustainable development website.