THE Centre for Cities Report is an annual review of the economic and related performance of over 60 UK cities, including Warrington.

It tracks annual and changing historical performance (up to 10 years). Warrington has consistently performed well in a number of categories.

Very pleasing this year was the employment result, with Warrington top for employment with a figure of 79.8 per cent.

Top five results for business growth and the positive ratio of private to public sector employment indicate why the employment position, on the back of recent ‘austerity’ is so healthy.

Housing price rises have been low, so keeping housing stock relatively affordable for the workforce.

This is important as average wages have slipped a little, though they are still reasonably good in relation to the rest of the region, including Manchester and Liverpool.

The only small blight on the record of Warrington is a poor rating for average CO2 emissions and a bottom five placing.

However larger cities tend to have a lower average score, simply they are more efficient per person to operate and Warrington as a smaller contender does not benefit from scale.

Longer term this will be a structural challenge, but for now the overall results are excellent.

LAWRENCE Bellamy is associate dean at the University of Chester's Padgate campus and writes a regular column for business.