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• Living in Urban England: Attitudes and Aspirations

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Summary

This paper brings together evidence from recent surveys about residents' views of the areas they live in. It provides insights from people living in all types of areas in England. However, it picks out issues of particular concern for residents of urban areas.

For the purposes of examining whether attitudes varied with the type of area a detailed classification of urban, suburban and rural has been developed while remembering that suburbs are often integral parts of our urban areas. The classification is based on Office for National Statistics and English House Condition Survey data as one possible way to describe the character of local areas and it is not intended to be definitive.

The overarching finding of this analysis is that most people are satisfied with where they live and with the services they receive. However, the more urban the area the more likely the residents are to be dissatisfied, to report problems and to live in poor quality neighbourhoods.

This is not to say the people in suburban and rural areas do not have problems. They do - particularly with access to services such as public transport and concerns over opportunities and facilities for children and young people.

Although this report was commissioned by the Office, the findings and recommendations are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.  

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• Living in Urban England: Attitudes and Aspirations
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