Indicators of local prosperity in the South West region

Abstract

Gordon I. R. and Whittaker R. M. (1972) Indicators of local prosperity in the South West region, Reg. Studies 6, 299–313. This paper examines the indicators and distribution of local prosperity in the South West region. The investigation is based on two assumptions; firstly, that average income per head represents the most widely accepted single indicator of welfare (it is for instance the measure to which the Commission of the European Communities gives particular attention) and secondly, that there are other important dimensions of prosperity which ought not to be ignored. Average income per head at local authority level is calculated by multiple regression analysis based on county data for England and Wales and is compared with similarly derived estimates of average male earnings. The more plural aspects of prosperity are examined by principal components analysis of a wide range of social and economic variables. The results obtained, in addition to providing new information basic to the formulation of regional policy in the South West, point to a methodology capable of wider application.