Responding to the Department for Work and Pension’s description of Sutton as “the most normal place in Britain”, the borough’s leader has invited the Whitehall mandarin who said it to see it for himself.

The council’s leader countered that the borough, which has some of the best schools in the country and low crime, is actually “quietly brilliant”.

It followed comments in evidence given to the House of Commons by the Department for Work and Pensions official Neil Couling.

He told MPs: “It’s the most normal place in Britain. Its population is average for the United Kingdom as a whole. It’s a wonderful place and I adore it.”

But he also admitted he hadn’t visited the borough.

The council welcomed his comments and invited him to see the place that:

• In a recent Family Hotspots Report revealed that Sutton postcodes SM3, SM1 and SM2 were all in the top ten places in London for family friendly living.
• Has a skilled workforce ready for new challenges with a higher percentage of residents with qualifications (94.2%) that the London average (91.6%).
• According to the Metropolitan Police is among the lowest areas for crime
• 91% of Sutton residents say is a great place to live

Sutton Council leader Ruth Dombey said:

“We’d be delighted to welcome Mr Couling to come and see our quietly brilliant borough and the opportunities to invest for himself. Statistics don’t tell you everything. This is a borough with the lowest levels of crime in London, schools that among the best in the country and wonderful green spaces.

“We’re working with the Institute of Cancer Research and the Royal Marsden to create a Life Science Cluster which will create economic opportunities in the same way Tech City has in east London. We haven’t shouted about our successes and from now on, we will.”

The borough is also fast becoming a hub for innovation and investment.

Since our regeneration arm, Opportunity Sutton, was set up as the boroughs flagship Economic Growth Programme two years ago, it has generated £330m of planned inward investment.

It has helped Sutton to become one of the most attractive places in the country to live and do business. Last year 939 new businesses and 33 new shops opened resulting in a 137.3% increase in net growth.

Sutton Council is building on that success by setting up a development company to build new housing in the borough for the first time since 1989.

Business secretary Vince Cable visited Sutton last week to review the investment work.

Dr Cable said:

“Investment in infrastructure to support economic growth is a key part of the Autumn Statement. Sutton’s ambitious plans to deliver a Life Science Cluster needs to be supported by infrastructure projects such as extending the Tramlink from Wimbledon to Sutton via the cluster. This will help secure thousands of jobs and millions in investment.

“Sutton is a living example of how local authorities can create a catalyst for investment, helping to secure economic vitality even in difficult times. Sutton must be commended for its commitment to finding better local solutions and its support for devolution which will help local authorities to deliver better outcomes for their residents.”