Richmond is one of the boroughs best equipped to deal with future economic shocks, a new report has revealed.

The BBC commissioned research into how England's regions may cope with further public sector cuts as councils prepare for the results of the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review on October 20, which is likely to mean significant reductions in funding.

The report investigated the ability of each local authority area to withstand sudden changes in the economy and found Richmond was the fourth most resilient borough in the country, with neighbouring Elmbridge on top.

Councillor Nick True, leader of Richmond Council, said: “The report confirms much we already know about the borough; that residents are well educated, there are high numbers in full time employment and occupying senior roles, local schools are excellent and crime levels are low.

“There is, however, more to community resilience than affluence and education, how a community works together for itself is very important.

“Volunteering among the community is among the highest in the country, indicating local people want to put something back into the community and society in general.

“As the local authority we have a key role to play by working with our local residents and businesses for the benefit of the area.

“And we are by no means immune from the impact of this recession. Many local people are being hit hard, and as a council we are experiencing unprecedented demand on resources.

“We will soon be announcing the outcome of our zero based budget review indicating the changes needed to keep the council on a sustainable footing.”

The research, conducted by Experian, looked at four key themes, business, community, people and place, and studied areas including the amount of vulnerable and resilient industry within an area, the life expectancy of residents, earnings of workers, unemployment and crime rates.

The research showed towns and cities in England's industrial heartlands are the communities most vulnerable to the cuts, with Middlesbrough judged the least resilient area of England.

Coun True said he was confident Richmond would remain resilient and “emerge as one of the leading boroughs for delivering the Government’s agenda for Big Society and smaller Government”.