Democratic wellbeing varies across English regions 

Trust in politics, government and key institutions varies across English regions with the South West and South East having the greatest democratic wellbeing and the North East, North West and West Midlands having the least, according to new research from Carnegie UK.

The 2026 edition of Carnegie’s Life in the UK Index for England – based on a survey of 4,452 adults – shows a decline in democratic wellbeing. Based on a survey across social, economic, environmental and democratic themes, the index also reveals a decline in the headline collective wellbeing score, suggesting a deterioration in the quality of life of the average person in England.  

The Life in the UK 2026 index gives England a collective wellbeing score of 61 out of 100, down from 62 in 2025. It is the first statistically significant change in England’s headline wellbeing score since the Index began in 2023.

The fall in collective wellbeing was driven by declines in three of the four areas measured. Social wellbeing fell by one point to 71, economic wellbeing dropped by two points to 70 and democratic wellbeing decreased by one point to 41. Environmental wellbeing remained unchanged at 62.

There are also marked regional differences in democratic wellbeing. People in the North East have a democratic wellbeing score of just 37 out of 100, compared with the English average of 41. In London and the South East the score is 42, while in the South West it is 43, six points higher than in the North East.

The data underpinning the research shows that 29% of people in England now have low trust in their local council, rising from 25% in 2023. More than a fifth (22%) have low trust in the legal system and courts, rising from 16% in 2023.

In 2026, just 14% of people feel that they can influence decisions affecting their local area in England and only 7% feel that they can influence decisions affecting the UK. Neither figure has improved since the index was established in 2023.

The headline collective wellbeing results show that the modest progress recorded in 2025 has not been sustained and reveal persistent inequalities, with people’s wellbeing varying according to their income, whether they are disabled, whether they live in a deprived area and their housing tenure.

The data also shows wide inequalities in wellbeing across England. People with annual household incomes below £26,000 have a collective wellbeing score of 54, compared to 67 among those with household incomes of £100,000 or more. Disabled people also score 54, nine points below people who are not disabled.

Wide inequalities are also associated with housing and place. Social housing tenants have a collective wellbeing score of just 50, compared with 64 for homeowners, while private tenants score 57. People living in England’s most deprived areas score 54, compared with 66 among those in the least deprived areas.

Economic wellbeing is a particular concern, falling to 70, its lowest level since the Life in the UK Index began. Just 22% of people are satisfied with the availability of jobs in their local area, four percentage points lower than in 2025 and nine points lower than in 2024.

Economic wellbeing also varies sharply according to people’s circumstances. Social housing tenants score 50, compared with 75 for homeowners, while people in households earning below £26,000 score 57, compared with 83 among households earning £100,000 or more.

Sarah Davidson, chief executive of Carnegie UK, said: “Our wellbeing research for England should be a wake-up call for decision-makers. People are finding it harder to achieve a decent standard of living, too few feel able to influence the decisions that affect them, and last year’s modest improvements have not been sustained.

“National averages also mask deep inequalities. People on lower incomes, disabled people, social housing tenants and those in the most deprived communities continue to experience considerably lower wellbeing.

“We welcome the Government’s focus on easing cost-of-living pressures and giving people more breathing space. But short-term fixes are not enough. Government needs to measure what matters to people and use that evidence to tackle inequalities and improve lives.

“Similarly, while the UK Government’s regional devolution agenda has been pitched as a move to boost local economies, it must also be designed to restore trust in politics, helping people feel like they have an influence over the decisions that affect their lives.”

Helen Power, director of partnerships and engagement at New Local, said: “These findings should be a wake-up call. When just 14% of people feel they can influence decisions affecting their local area, it’s clear that something isn’t working. Trust won’t be rebuilt by asking people to have more faith in institutions that feel distant from their lives. It will be rebuilt by giving them real power to shape what happens in their communities.

“Devolution is a huge opportunity to do just this, but shifting power from Westminster to mayors is only one part of the answer – that power needs to travel further, giving communities genuine influence over the decisions, services and resources that shape their everyday lives. “Rebuilding trust in democracy isn’t simply about getting people to engage with existing institutions. It’s about changing how those institutions work, putting relationships, participation and community power at the heart of how we govern.”

Stuart Mackinnon – [email protected] – 07934 296831
Claire Martin – [email protected] – 07921 480526