Location

The combination of rich and diverse landscape, unique character and accessible transport network make this a popular area.

The Borough is located between London and the South Coast and contains a large Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  However, close transport links to the M25, M23 and Gatwick Airport has led to traffic congestion and poor air quality.

The location has contributed to the creation of a strong and thriving economy coupled with strong pressure for development.

Population

There is a strong and thriving population.  The Borough has around 127,200 residents, more than other East Surrey authorities, forming just over 54,000 households.  At the time of the 2001 Census, 95% identified themselves as white British.

The population will continue to grow steadily and at the same time will become more diverse.  Households are becoming smaller.  Just over 29% of households contain only one person.  This trend towards smaller households is linked to changes in household structures and to the fact that residents enjoy longer than average life expectancy.

The Borough age structure is similar to the national picture although we have a slightly higher number of children aged less than 10 years and people aged over 80 years.  Overall, the older population is predicted to increase by up to 40% by 2026.

Health and Wellbeing

Most residents enjoy healthy lives.  On average the Borough has lower than average levels of early deaths caused by heart disease, strokes and cancer and has lower that average illnesses related to smoking, alcohol and drugs.

However, the problems of ill-health and mental health are not evenly distributed and some of households do experience poorer health outcomes.  These are related to a number of factors including age, deprivation levels, education, lifestyle and access to health services and facilities.

Healthier lifestyles and advances in medical practice have led to increased life expectancy, but increasing age is linked to a greater likelihood of developing dementia, physical or sensory disability.

Economy

Reigate and Banstead is an affluent area with high employment and a buoyant economy.  The majority of occupations are based in the managerial, professional and technical fields.  Over 79% of men and 65% of women aged 17 to 74 are economically active.  More people commute out of the Borough for work than commute into the Borough and around a third of the working population live and work in the Borough.  The local economy needs to be able to support population growth.

Borough residents achieve a high level of economic attainment, but there are concerns in the business community about levels of vocational and work based skills amongst school leavers.

Communities

The Borough is a relatively affluent area with low crime rates and low levels of unemployment.  Neighbourhoods in the Borough vary in size and character, from more densely populated towns through to small villages in semi-rural locations.  As a consequence distances from local services varies and has led to more reliance on the car.

Based on Reigate and Banstead’s ‘ A Community Plan’, produced by The Reigate and Banstead Partnership.

The general economic prosperity in the Borough masks local variations.  A number of residents live in some of the most deprived areas of Surrey.  We know that some of those people are not realising their potential and this impacts on the community as a whole.  By improving the life chances of those residents we can improve the quality of life of the whole community.