Council welcomes Telford being named best place in England to raise a family
Telford and Wrekin has been named the best place in England to raise a family in a new national study.
Researchers highlighted the areas affordability, lower Council Tax levels, access to green space and childcare amongst many other factors which support family life.
The national studies also separately found Telford is the top area for access to outdoor play in the whole of the United Kingdom, with an average of more than six parks or playing fields within a kilometre of home.
Council bosses have welcomed the national reports whilst recognising there is always more work to do as they “strive to continually improve” to create a better borough.
The new research from MoneySuperMarket ranked local authority areas across England using a wide range of measures including housing affordability, education, healthcare, childcare costs, earnings, road safety, environment and community amenities. Telford and Wrekin topped the national rankings with an overall score of 61 out of 100.
The study found that Telford and Wrekin performed particularly strongly for housing and lower Council Tax levels. It also recorded one of the strongest environmental scores in the country, reflecting the area's access to green and open spaces, while also achieving a higher-than-average score for childcare affordability.
Councillor Lee Carter, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said:
"We're delighted to see Telford and Wrekin recognised as the best place in England to raise a family and for Telford to be ranked number one in the UK for access to outdoor play.
“As a resident of the Borough all of my life I am proud to see Telford being named as the best and hope others across the community would share that pride. Equally I’m also well aware as a Council there is always more work to do and I can assure everyone we always strive to continually improve services and opportunities for local people.
"It's especially pleasing that the findings highlight particular strengths among many of the things residents tell us matter most, including affordable homes, community safety, opportunities to access good jobs, quality education, affordable childcare and our fantastic green spaces.
"These results reflect the efforts of many people across our Borough, including schools, businesses, health partners, community organisations, volunteers and residents themselves who all play a part in making Telford and Wrekin such a great place to live.
"While it's encouraging to receive this national recognition, we know there is always more to do. As a Council we remain committed to protecting, caring and investing in our communities to create opportunities so that we continue to improve and ensure Telford and Wrekin remains a place where people can thrive."
Telford & Wrekin Council was named LGC Council of the Year in 2025 and has continued to focus on supporting residents through investment in neighbourhoods, protecting and enhancing green spaces, working with schools and partners, and helping create the conditions for businesses and jobs to grow across the Borough.
The latest ranking provides further independent recognition of the area's strengths and reinforces Telford and Wrekin's reputation as an attractive place to live and thrive.
The full report naming Telford and Wrekin as the best place in England to raise children is available at Best Places to Raise a Family in the UK 2026 | MoneySuperMarket and the report naming the area as best in the UK for access to outdoor play is available at The UK Playground Index | MoneySuperMarket