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Councils have been quick to defend their communities branded the worst places in Britain to bring up families. Reading came top as the least family-friendly place, according to the Reader's Digest survey, for having low-achieving state schools and a high crime rate. But Reading Council's deputy leader, Jo Lovelock, said: ‘Families clearly enjoy living in Reading as they continue, year after year, to move here . We would also question the methodology of this survey. For example, it compares very small towns with large cities and counties, and there is no explanation or justification for this process.' Waltham Forest LBC took the unenviable second place for least family-friendly environment. Council leader, Clyde Loakes, said: ‘This is one of the most diverse boroughs in London, and we have a fantastic track record of good community relations and people living together with mutual respect.' Areas were rated on quality of schools, crime rate, affordability of homes, healthcare, employment rate, proximity to coasts and national parks, and a sense of community spirit. East Dunbartonshire in Scotland took the coveted top slot as best place in Britain to raise a family. The council's chief executive Sue Bruce said: ‘We pride ourselves on our schools, our approach to tackling anti-social behaviour and our drive to deliver affordable housing throughout the area.' The survey comes as local government is being urged to ‘place shape', creating communities with the wellbeing of its citizens at the centre. An LGA spokesman said: ‘Councils work hard to make sure that places are family-friendly. They have a central role in place shaping and improving peoples' day-to-day lives.'

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WHITEHALL

Reading is 'worst place for families'

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