Kingston is supposedly the capital’s third cheapest borough to live in – outdoing the likes of neighbouring boroughs Sutton and Richmond.
Based on household bills for average prices for energy, home insurance and car insurance bills, Kingston came out a bargain borough to live in according to calculations by price comparison website Comparethemarket.
Its research found the cost of living in Kingston was at an average of £2,019 per year in household bills.
Kingston Council leader Kevin Davis said: “Maybe it’s because the houses are so expensive we can’t afford the bills.
“I would have to look at the figures but the reality is that we have also got the highest council tax in London.”
Surrey Comet readers took to Facebook protesting against being dubbed a budget borough.
Jessica Price said: “With two-bed flats going for over £500,000 I wouldn’t call that cheap.”
John Woolner said: “What a joke.”
Kingston’s cost of living averaged as cheaper than neighbouring boroughs Sutton and Richmond, which sat just behind at £2,042 and £2,050 per year respectively.
Merton residents were at the bottom of the pile with expenditure on household bills at just £1,957.
Earlier this year Coun Davis prompted an angry response from Sutton residents when he asked: “Why would anyone want to live in Sutton?”
The comment led to a war of words between the two boroughs.
Sister paper the Sutton Guardian printed a story about why its home trumped Kingston.
It cited lower council tax, fewer plans for skyscraper-style tower blocks and a more efficient one-way system among its better qualities.
Which borough is better on the pitch?
It even went as far as calling Sutton United the better football team.
Leader of Sutton Council Ruth Dombey welcomed her borough’s performance ahead of the royal borough.
Kingston Council leader Kevin Davis and Sutton Council leader Ruth Dombey
She said: “Survey after survey keeps putting Sutton as the area people want to live in. No wonder people want to live here.
“We have some of the best schools and green spaces in the country, we are the second-safest borough in London and, best of all, we have wonderful communities in Sutton who really care for one another.”
- What do you think? Call the newsdesk on 020 8722 6315 or email jonathan.mitchell@london.newsquest.co.uk
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