The South West Observatory has published its State of the South West 2010 report detailing the facts and figures behind life in the region. The report, drawn together by the Observatory and authored by experts from public bodies from around the region, suggests that while pockets of deprivation and inequality exist, the region is generally performing well in terms of its prosperity.
Commenting on the publication release to coincide with the South West Observatory Annual Conference taking place in Bath – ‘Health, Wealth and Happiness: What Makes a Prosperous Region?’ – Report Editor Sarah Hardwick said: “Compiled by a network of experts, the State of the South West 2010 paints an overview of what’s happening up and down the region in relation to all aspects of life – from the economy, to our environment, skills to health. Whilst as a region the South West scores relatively well in comparison to others in the country, this masks certain big differences which we see in local areas. Using up-to-date data and intelligence from a wide range of sources, our report brings these out to promote better evidence-based policy making in and about the region.”
Vinita Nawathe, Managing Director at the South West Observatory added: “The State of the South West is the combined effort of people working in data, research and intelligence in publicly funded bodies across the region. Co-ordinated by the South West Observatory Core Unit, a social enterprise jointly owned by its network members, the report provides the bedrock for a shared understanding of the region.”
