Elmbridge has come top of the Halifax Quality of Life Survey 2010, for the third year running. Elmbridge scored highly on health, life expectancy, employment, average earnings and school results.

Of course, reports like this are a double-edged sword. Labour used these 'mean' scores to diddle Elmbridge (and Surrey) in terms of the funding we get back from central government for local public services - despite the high taxes we pay, and pockets of deprivation hidden by the overall average level of affluence. I am campaigning hard with my Surrey colleagues for a change to the funding formula - so it is transparent and based on a more objective assessment of real local need.

The survey misses another intangible quality - civic spirit. Elmbridge is a resilient place in no small part because of the strong ethos of community responsibility. So, as this is my last posting before Christmas, I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone involved with all the local groups I have met in the last year - including scouts, community centers, day care centers, sports clubs, charities and other local initiatives - for all their hard work and dedication. I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and good health and happiness in 2011!