West Berkshire has been ranked among the best places to live in the country when compared to other unitary council areas, according to results in a new national survey that highlight the district’s strong communities, high quality of life and residents’ sense of belonging.

The findings come from the Community and Engagement Survey, commissioned by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), which measures how people across England feel about their local area and explores how they engage with community life, volunteering, culture and sport.

When compared to all 62 unitary council areas in England, West Berkshire ranks third for overall satisfaction with the local area as a place to live, with 86% of residents saying they are satisfied with where they live. This is one of the district’s strongest ever performances and reflects the qualities that make West Berkshire a great place to live, work and visit.

West Berkshire performed particularly strongly in measures relating to community wellbeing and belonging. West Berkshire ranked first in the country for social cohesion, with 89% of people agreeing that people from different backgrounds get on well together. West Berkshire was also ranked first for the lowest levels of loneliness, with just 4% of respondents reporting feelings of loneliness.

The survey results also reported that West Berkshire residents are highly engaged in community life. The district ranked fifth nationally for volunteering, with 40% of residents volunteering at least once a month, and first for arts engagement, with more than 91% of people taking part in arts activities over the previous year.

Residents also continue to value local services and amenities, with West Berkshire ranked tenth nationally for satisfaction with facilities and amenities in their local area.

These findings support the Council’s ambitions to create thriving communities, encourage healthy and active lifestyles and make West Berkshire a great place to live, work and visit for people of all ages and backgrounds.

The results also highlight the important role played by residents, community groups, charities, volunteers, businesses, town and parish councils and partner organisations across the district. Together they help create strong and welcoming communities where people feel connected, supported and able to play an active role in local life.

Councillor Jeff Brooks, Leader of West Berkshire Council, said: “These results are something everyone in West Berkshire can be proud of. They reflect the strength of our communities, the commitment of our volunteers and the important role played by local businesses, community groups, charities, town and parish councils, partners and residents themselves.

“Being ranked first in the country for social cohesion and lowest levels of loneliness shows that West Berkshire is not only a beautiful place to live, but also a place where people look out for each other and feel connected to their communities.

“While the Council plays an important role, these results are about our residents and the vital part they play in making West Berkshire a great place to live, work and thrive. They demonstrate the positive impact of strong partnerships and thriving communities and highlight why West Berkshire continues to be such a special place to call home.”

More information about the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Community and Engagement Survey can be found online.