MP JAMES ArbuthnotÕs neighbouring parliamentary constituency of North East Hampshire has been listed ninth in the top 50 most affluential areas in England.

According to a study, released this week by Barclays Bank, North East Hampshire is home to some of the highest paid people in the country.

While this may come as a surprise to those living in the Bordon/Whitehill area of the constituency, the figure is seen to reflect the wealth of the more rural areas such as Bentley, Binsted, Froyle, Selborne, Kingsley, the Worldhams, Odiham and the Warnboroughs.

Based on those who earn in excess of £60,000 a year, the list reveals the highest percentage of residents in the high income bracket living in London and the South East.

Described as ÒaffluentialsÓ, this new breed of consumer has been identified by Barclays as enjoying minimum incomes of £60,000 bringing increased influence over their spending, savings and lifestyle choices.

Topping the table is Kensington and Chelsea where 12.5 per cent of people claim an income of over £60,000 per year, with Beaconsfield in Berkshire on 10.9 per cent and Richmond Park, London, on 10.4 per cent.

South West Surrey, which includes Farnham, is listed seventh on 9.7 per cent with North East Hampshire close behind on 9.5 per cent.

The Sheffield suburb of Hallam is the highest placed area outside London and the South East coming 17th on 7.9 per cent.

It, like North East Hampshire, shows a higher rating than traditionally wealthy areas such as Windsor in Berkshire and Tunbridge Wells in Kent.

The survey, which looked at the earnings capacity and addresses of more than eight million Barclay customers, also found that the young wealthy were being attracted to less traditionally well-off areas.

It cites areas in LondonÕs East End, where property prices have traditionally been much lower, as attracting large numbers of highly paid people under the age of 30.

For example, while less than three per cent of the population of Canning Town and Poplar earn more than £60,000, more than a quarter of these are under 30.

Leeds Central tells a similar story outside London with 19.4 per cent of high earners being under 30.

While Guildford and Winchester rate 25 and 34 respectively, with Wealden coming 50th on 6.3 per cent, East Hampshire - which takes in the Alton and Petersfield area, does not feature in BarclayÕs most affluent line up, boasting less brass it appears than some parts of Leeds, Bristol, Harpenden and even GolderÕs Green.