The South East's strong economy and proximity to the capital are key factors in the high quality of life enjoyed by the region's residents, an opinion poll has found. The poll, carried out for the South East England Regional Assembly, reports that nearly nine in ten residents (88%) say they are either satisfied or very satisfied with their quality of life.

Ipsos MORI questioned 1,854 South East residents. Other strengths identified by the poll are links to mainland Europe and the environment, including coast and countryside. However, high house prices and congestion are seen as the main weaknesses - concerns that are already priorities for improvement in the South East Plan.

Cllr Keith Mitchell, Chairman of the Assembly, said:

“The poll shows that the overwhelming majority of residents are very positive about living in the South East. The Assembly's 20-year strategic planning framework, the South East Plan, aims to maintain and improve our quality of life by playing to these strengths and addressing the region's weaknesses. It will sustain our successful economy, support our social needs and protect our environment. The key test now is whether the government will support our South East Plan with funding for the much needed investment in better transport and affordable homes in the region.

“A separate poll of Assembly members and partners also recorded 70% satisfaction with the South East Plan, showing strong support for our Plan as being the right way forward for the region.”

Assembly profile on the rise

The Assembly's public profile continues to increase, the public poll also reveals. Awareness has grown to 37% - up from 24% in 2002 and 29% in 2004 and is now the best known regional organisation in the South East. A majority (64%) say that the Assembly should have more influence over the region than central government.

Cllr Mitchell added:

“It is encouraging that more people have heard of the Assembly. Last year's consultation into the Plan has probably contributed to higher awareness levels. This doesn't mean we will sit back. The Assembly has still more work to do to secure central government funding and to set about implementation of the South East Plan.”

Contacts

Lesley van Dijk, Assembly PR Executive - 01483 555223

Heather Bolton, Assembly Communications Director - 01483 555220

Notes to editors:

1. The Ipsos MORI report on the perceptions of the South East and its Assembly (June 2006). can be downloaded from the surveys section.
2. Quality of life was rated as good by 88% of people in 2004 and by 86% in 2002.
3. Ipsos MORI has carried out a poll every two years since 2002 to track changes in residents’ views about the region and the Assembly.
4. The South East England Regional Assembly is the "voluntary regional chamber" for the South East. It was established in January 1999 to give a representative voice to the South East region, which covers Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, and Surrey.
5. The Regional Assembly is made up of 112 members including elected councillors nominated by the region's local authorities and 37 representatives from other sectors of the community (including business, trades unions, education, housing, health, sports, culture, tourism, faith groups, environmental, community and voluntary organisations) as well as the New Forest National Park Authority.
6. The Assembly has three areas of core business:
• It is the representative voice of the South East, engaging and representing its member organisations and, through them, the wider public.
• The Assembly has a specific role under the Regional Development Agencies' Act 1998 to ensure the accountability of the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) to the region.
• The Assembly has been the Regional Planning Body for the South East since April 2001. It has responsibility for proposing strategic planning and transport policies to Government.

Last updated: 21 August 2007