The New Statesman: politics and culture

England's most deprived areas revealed

Oct 30, 2025
Ben Walker, a senior data journalist specializing in datasets like the English Indices of Deprivation, joins the discussion to unravel the stark realities of England's most deprived neighborhoods. They examine troubling trends, like rising deprivation in Birmingham and the Isle of Wight, as well as the ongoing struggles in areas like Jaywick and Blackpool. Walker sheds light on how local government challenges and housing pressures skew funding. They also explore the implications of child poverty, particularly in London, and how these trends impact voter intentions and political landscapes.
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INSIGHT

Stubborn Top Deprivation, Shifting Below

  • The top-line most deprived places (Jaywick, Blackpool wards) barely changed since 2019, but many other areas moved significantly.
  • Deprivation shifts are more pronounced beyond the very worst-ranked neighbourhoods, revealing changing local dynamics.
INSIGHT

Deprivation Rising In South And Commuter Towns

  • Many southern and home-counties towns have climbed the deprivation rankings, surprising given traditional north-south narratives.
  • London boroughs and commuter towns show notable increases in income and child-poverty indicators.
ANECDOTE

Toxteth's Visible Regeneration

  • Ben Walker describes Toxteth's visible turnaround after heavy investment and regeneration.
  • He contrasts its fall in deprivation with other areas that remain stuck without targeted funding.
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