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London lags behind Manchester in list of world's most liveable cities

A combination of overcrowding, congestion and higher crime rates have hindered London’s liveability rating, in the Economist’s newly-released Global Liveability Report.

The annual survey, which ranks cities around the world based on their living standards, ranked the capital at 53 out of 140 cities surveyed, with cities in Canada and Australia dominating the top 10.

Melbourne, Australia was ranked number one owing much to its world-class education, entertainment and standard of health care, closely followed by Vienna and Vancouver.

Propping up the list was war-torn Damascus, which understandably scored poorly due to the lack of political and economic stability in Syria, with Lagos and Tripoli also faring poorly due to security worries and poor infrastructure.

Manchester was the highest placing UK city, finishing ten places above London in 43rd place, benefiting from its mid-size status which the report’s authors say offers the infrastructure and cultural benefits of a big city without the attendant overcrowding and crime woes.

Speaking to the Independent, John Copestake, editor of the report described London as a ‘very liveable city’ and that there were very few differences between Manchester and the capital.

He added: “London’s vibrancy and diversity make it a great destination but these are also factors that can weigh on liveability.

“Cities that have a big city buzz and attract lots of people tend to also have greater congestion as well as higher crime rates.

“In London’s case, as we have seen in the past, it also makes the city a target for terrorism. In many ways factors that weigh on London’s liveability score reflect that it is a victim of its own success.”