Mr Hesford said: “I think reports like this are helpful, but you have to bear in mind how things feel on the ground.

“I’m pleased the indicators suggest the people in my constituency feel in control of their own lives.

“We have a good education system and a very good hospital, and we’ve had some quite successful campaigns in which thousands of people have taken part.”

But Peter Kilfoyle, MP in the safe Labour seat of Walton, said he was wary of putting any faith in such studies.

He added: “I’m mindful of the old saying that there are lies, damn lies, and statistics.

“Many of these types of things tell you nothing about quality of life, whether people are happy with their lives.

“No-one will convince me that the city of London is a happy place to live, but it’s certainly rich.” He added: “I think there’s an element of truth that people’s destinies are shaped by their start in life.

“Education is a part of that, but so is family background and aspiration.

“It’s a lot more complex than a few statistics.”

Riverside MP Louise Ellman added she was not convinced by the argument that people living in safer seats were more likely to feel less empowered because their votes stood to count for less.

She added: “Many people are very hard pressed and there are people who struggle to survive and struggle to improve their lives, but as well as struggles there have also been great success stories.”