Quality of life

There is growing interest in how we can improve our "quality of life" in the face of global warming, technological change, population growth and similar issues.

Such interest has been expressed in local surveys, the development of Community Strategies and local action to care for the countryside.

Government and local authorities already collect a wide range of indicators to measure performance and they now report each year on the achievement of Best Value.

This shows that partners are already working together to improve the cost, quality and effectiveness of local services. Examples include: re-cycling, crime, supporting older people at home and educational outcomes.


What is happening in Shropshire ?

We are working in partnership to measure how we are improving our Quality of Life.

• We have joined a pilot study (with 90 other local areas and the Audit Commission) to measure 32 key indicators of Quality of life.
• We are one of only 43 areas to submit data for a trial run in Autumn 2001.
• We are the only rural county and one of only three UK local authorities invited to join the Quality of Life National Advisory Group.
• We have been lobbying with other rural areas resulting in an acceptance of a 25% threshold for wards that rank within the most deprived 10% in the Country. At this 25% threshold, 8 Wards are included in Shropshire.
• We have worked with others to ensure that the rural voice is heard and to influence the definition of some of the indicators

• Supporting Inclusive Communities
• Improving the environment
• Promoting lifelong learning
• Stimulating a thriving economy

• Employment
• Educational Attainment
• Death Rates
• Teenage Pregnancies
• Childcare
• Fear of Crime
• Recycling and Community Involvement