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| Wolverhampton named 'least prosperous' area in UK | Wolverhampton named 'least prosperous' area in UK |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| Wolverhampton is the least prosperous area in the UK, according to findings from an international think-tank. | Wolverhampton is the least prosperous area in the UK, according to findings from an international think-tank. |
| The prosperity index was compiled by the Legatum Institute and is based on data from 170 locations across the country. | The prosperity index was compiled by the Legatum Institute and is based on data from 170 locations across the country. |
| According to the organisation, prosperity was measured by average incomes and happiness levels. | According to the organisation, prosperity was measured by average incomes and happiness levels. |
| The Black Country borough of Sandwell was ranked second-last in terms of prosperity. | The Black Country borough of Sandwell was ranked second-last in terms of prosperity. |
| In addition, Blackpool, Liverpool and East Derbyshire were ranked in the bottom five. | In addition, Blackpool, Liverpool and East Derbyshire were ranked in the bottom five. |
| With the exception of the Outer Hebrides, the top five most prosperous areas in Britain are in London, according to the index. | With the exception of the Outer Hebrides, the top five most prosperous areas in Britain are in London, according to the index. |
| The findings are based on local GDP figures from 2011 and the Office for National Statistics well-being data from 2013-14. | The findings are based on local GDP figures from 2011 and the Office for National Statistics well-being data from 2013-14. |
| Sian Hansen, executive director at the Legatum Institute, said: "The data shows that Wolverhampton is the least prosperous part of the UK because its citizens report the lowest levels of satisfaction with their lives. | Sian Hansen, executive director at the Legatum Institute, said: "The data shows that Wolverhampton is the least prosperous part of the UK because its citizens report the lowest levels of satisfaction with their lives. |
| "Some of the most prosperous areas of the country are those where, regardless of their income, people have the opportunity to lead healthy, fulfilling and prosperous lives." | "Some of the most prosperous areas of the country are those where, regardless of their income, people have the opportunity to lead healthy, fulfilling and prosperous lives." |
| Wolverhampton residents and workers were split about the study's findings. | |
| "I think it's a bit harsh to be bottom," said 23-year-old Shane Parker, from Coseley. | |
| "It's not as bad as some people think, there are places in Birmingham that are much worse. | |
| Angela Scrivens, 42, from Bilston, said: "I think the town itself is quite dull, but the people can be quite happy. | |
| "It's gone through a rough patch lately, but the town centre is being done up, and hopefully that will bring in more jobs and people." | |
| Sharon Kiteley, 47, from Dudley, said: "Whenever I've looked around I've always seen happy smiling faces, so I can't believe it's come last. | |
| Responding to the findings, the leader of the City of Wolverhampton Council, Councillor Roger Lawrence, said: "Whilst it's fair to say that Wolverhampton took a battering during the recession, we're now seeing some really positive signs of recovery. | Responding to the findings, the leader of the City of Wolverhampton Council, Councillor Roger Lawrence, said: "Whilst it's fair to say that Wolverhampton took a battering during the recession, we're now seeing some really positive signs of recovery. |
| "The data used is from 2011 and 2013-14. Wolverhampton's come a long way since then and as we approach 2016 there's a lot going on in our city." | "The data used is from 2011 and 2013-14. Wolverhampton's come a long way since then and as we approach 2016 there's a lot going on in our city." |