Key Highlights
- Jaywick in Essex has been named the most deprived neighbourhood in England for four consecutive years.
- The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) released new data on areas with high levels of deprivation across England.
- 70% of highly deprived neighbourhoods identified by the MHCLG were already in that category in 2019.
- Tower Hamlets and Hackney in London are highlighted for having the highest income deprivation among households with children.
Deprivation Levels Across England
The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has released new data on areas experiencing high levels of deprivation across England. Jaywick in Essex stands out as the most deprived neighbourhood in the country for the fourth consecutive time since 2010. This designation comes after the MHCLG used a series of weighted metrics to assess living conditions, including income, employment, education, crime, health and disability, barriers to housing and services, and the living environment.
Highly Deprived Areas
The report identifies seven areas in Blackpool as part of the 10 most deprived neighbourhoods, along with one each in Hastings and Rotherham. Additionally, Middlesbrough has the highest proportion of highly deprived neighbourhoods among local authorities, ahead of Birmingham and Hartlepool.
Government Funding and Deprivation Data
The government’s recent Pride in Place funding initiative, which aims to support “overlooked” communities with a share of £5 billion, was partly based on the deprivation figures from 2019. Areas such as Jaywick, known for its history of heavy industry and mining, along with several coastal towns, have been particularly affected by these economic disparities.
Local authorities like Tendring in Essex have also developed comprehensive improvement plans to address the issues faced by highly deprived neighbourhoods. The previous Conservative government had used similar deprivation data when deciding where to allocate “Levelling Up” grants, which aimed to reduce economic inequalities across different regions of England.
The Impact and Future Directions
Deprivation is a complex issue that affects various aspects of community life. According to the MHCLG’s report, 65% of local authorities in England contain at least one highly deprived neighbourhood, an increase from 61% in 2019. This trend highlights the ongoing challenges faced by many communities and the need for targeted interventions.
Local and central government officials are likely to use this data to allocate resources more effectively, ensuring that areas with high levels of deprivation receive the necessary support to improve living conditions.
The MHCLG’s Index of Multiple Deprivation will continue to be a crucial tool in shaping policies aimed at reducing economic disparities across England.
As the country grapples with these issues, it remains to be seen how future administrations and local authorities will address the ongoing challenges faced by highly deprived neighbourhoods. The recent data release serves as both a reminder of the persistent nature of deprivation and a call for action to improve living conditions in affected areas.
