Can local government make Britain happier? Or, to put it scientifically, can it make us more emotionally resilient and fulfilled?

There is a growing global movement examining wellbeing and the fact there is little connection in developed countries between economic growth and how happy people feel. Britain is a wealthier country than 30 years ago and no happier. Indeed, once you earn over £30,000 per annum, more money has little relationship with happiness.
This has led academics and economists to suggest that, as well as GDP growth, we should begin measuring national wellbeing and treat this as an equally important indicator.
While central government looked at happiness five years ago, local government is now doing something about it.
Step up South Tyneside and Hertfordshire which are piloting the use of positive psychology in their schools. Dr Marty Seligman of the University of Pennsylvania is involved in training teachers from these authorities, so it has sound theoretical under-pinning.
If it works, one would hope to see progress on a range of issues and an evaluation over the next three years is planned, although some effects – if it works – could take longer to become clear.
But what is impressive is the entrepreneurialism of local government in seeking to operationalise the idea.
Us grown-ups could probably benefit from some of it too. When you ask the public what they think will make them happier, they reveal top of the list is more time with family, and although doubling of income comes second, better health, time with friends, more travelling and community spirit, a happy marriage and contact with nature all feature.
The question remains, why do we all pursue rising income well beyond the point at which we will be fulfilled by it? If local government can look at wellbeing in its broadest sense, so much the better.
ben.page@ipsos-mori.com n