Revised Deprivation Index

A new approach to mapping deprivation across England has been unveiled by the ODPM in a bid to pinpoint pockets of poverty more accurately. The indices of deprivation for 2004 map poverty in more detail than those introduced in 2000. The aim is to help the Government target its policies and funding to the areas that need them most. A key characteristic of the new indices are that data is based on more consistently sized ‘super output areas’ (SOA) rather than electoral wards. These cover a smaller geographical base, with between 1,000 and 3,000 people in any of the 32,482 SOAs. This provides a more in-depth appreciation of local variations in deprivation. The revised indices could have major implications for the future funding of some local authorities. Five councils, including Pendle, Kerrier and Lincoln, which currently receive neighbourhood renewal funding would miss out if money was allocated according to the new indices.
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