Beverley - best value-for-money town in Britain

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by Kay Murchie

Beverley, in the East Riding of Yorkshire, has been named the best value-for-money town in Britain. It is a medieval market town with a successful racecourse and boasts a beautiful minster.

It has been given first place by analysts in a survey of towns which enable residents to enjoy a prosperous lifestyle at reasonable prices. House prices in Beverley are just slightly above the £182,000 national average, while average household earnings are £37,000 according to the survey by the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Maidstone in Kent was pipped to the post by Beverley in the survey. Chester was third while Perth in Scotland was fourth.

Beverley also prides itself in impressive state schools and boasts a small number of junk food outlets. A spokesperson for the RBS remarked that Beverley’s educational credentials are well noted as the town is home to the exceptional Beverley Grammar School, the oldest state school in the country.

The bank’s Affordable Affluence Index took into consideration positive ‘lifestyle indicators’ such as high-class shops. RBS commented that a great range of high street names and boutiques are on offer in Beverley which would appeal to the wealthy.

Beverley Civic Society member Barbara English remarked that careful attention was required to make sure the town preserves its charm. Ms English added that Beverley normally comes in the top 20 of nicest small towns or market towns but this is the only time it has topped a survey.

RBS head of private banking commented that the example of Beverley and the other towns entering into the index demonstrates that a reasonably wealthy lifestyle is attainable for many.