Bristol lags behind rest of South West on UK happiness index

Bristol may be the winner of multiple accolades and a highly sought-after destination, but it is lagging behind Bath and Devon when it comes to happiness.

This is according to a groundbreaking new report that has analysed a number of key factors, including local conditions, sustainability and equality, in order to rank England’s ‘thriving places’.

The research, carried out by Bristol-based charity Happy City, is intended to be used as a tool to challenge the ‘growth at all costs paradigm’ and encourage a change in how society is run, with a greater emphasis on ‘making what matters count’.

Bath scored highest in the South West Photography © Matt Cardy 2006.

Results show that Bath is leading the charge in the South West, in 13th place nationwide, while Bristol scores the lowest across the region, just falling into the average category on the happiness index.

On a national scale, Bristol has fairly average tallies, with medium – low ratings on equality and local conditions, at 5.05 and 4.51 scores respectively, and a medium – high ranking on sustainability of 5.54.

Liz Zeidler, founding director of Happy City, said: “A thriving economy depends on thriving places.

“We carried out this analysis to show local authorities that they can learn from one another. The South West generally performed very well. We found community cohesion, culture and participation in the South West surpass much of the rest of England.

“The analysis reveals patterns which are not shown by measuring just GDP. The index is a practical tool that can be used right now, to help leaders who want to ensure the sum of their efforts – in every sector – is a better quality of life for people now and in the future.”

Bristol consistently gain accolades as a sought-after place to live, but lags behind others on the happiness scale – photo by Sichan He

The Thriving Places Index is the most comprehensive analysis ever of the country’s success in creating conditions for people to thrive.

Data from 150 local authorities in England was assessed against three main categories – local conditions, sustainability and equality – with 48 separate indicators taken into account, including health, education and work.

The report argues that truly thriving places require investment in a range of areas, including mental and physical health, work and the local economy, education and learning opportunities, the qualities of the place and its environment, and the connections between people and community.

Devon ranks higher than Bristol

Overall, the South West gained high scores, with Bath and North East Somerset, Cornwall, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Devon and Torbay all stand-out performers in culture, while Plymouth achieved the second highest score in the country in adult education.

The region is also a leader in terms of local environment.

Bristol again lets the side down as seventh worst in the country for safety, although Happy City’s index is not designed to be used as a league table, but to help prioritise action.

Bristol-based Triodos Bank supported the project.

Managing director Bevis Watts said: “At Triodos Bank, we believe finance can be a powerful force for positive change. To redirect our banks and the flow of money in the economy, we need greater transparency on how our money is used, to understand its impact and to know where to direct it in order to create the conditions for people to thrive.

“The Thriving Places Index gives us a clear picture, for the first time, of the places most in need of investment, pointing the way towards a more sustainable and inclusive economy – one that has a true sense of value.”

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