London's boroughs best at using sport and culture to improve lives

London's local authorities are the best in the country at using culture and sport to improve the lives of their residents, according to new analysis of the Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA) results.

Under the CAA, local authorities are awarded green flags for exceptional performance or outstanding improvement in various activities to improve the lives of their residents.

London's local authorities received nine green flags praising outcomes achieved directly through culture and sport - only 13 were awarded for the whole of England.

London boroughs were also awarded with a further five green flags for outcomes indirectly related to sport and culture - such as using sport to divert young people from youth crime. And the City of London received the only green flag in the country awarded specifically for culture and sport.

Working through the London Cultural Improvement Programme, London's local authorities have helped transform the capital from one of the poorest performing regions for cultural services to the best in the country.

London Councils' Chairman Councillor Merrick Cockell said:
"London's local authorities are acutely aware of the benefits that culture and sport bring to our communities - not only to our residents' health and wellbeing but also to our sense of community. We are delighted their efforts to improve the lives of Londoners have been singled out for praise."