Hidden Needs in Suffolk Coastal

Suffolk Coastal projects an air of prosperity, and it is true that (taken as a whole across our population of 124,776), the proportion living in income deprivation is lower than average for England, for the East of England, and for the county of Suffolk. But a new report called "Hidden Needs", produced by the University of Suffolk for the Suffolk Community Foundation, shows that behind this façade lies a story of deprivation. The report covers all of Suffolk, and makes fascinating (if uncomfortable) reading.

For Suffolk Coastal, the data maps in the report show that there are are high levels of income deprivation in Felixstowe West, Felixstowe South, Kyson (Woodbridge) and Saxmundham, with slightly less high levels in Felixstowe North, Melton and Ufford, Wickham Market and Leiston. In fact, 2,234 children in Suffolk Coastal (that is, more than one in ten) are living in income-deprived households.

The problem extends beyond urban centres, but it is harder to identify in the rural areas in which 45.4% of Suffolk Coastal residents live. As the report says:

"Even the most advantaged, remote rural neighbourhoods are shared with people living in poverty - and hardship for those on a low income is exacerbated by the barriers to accessing services and the higher additional costs associated with living in the countryside.

"Research suggests that people living in rural villages and hamlets need to be able to spend between 15 and 25 per cent more than their urban counterparts in order to be able to afford the same, minimum socially acceptable standard."

Sources:

http://www.eadt.co.uk/news/poverty_report_gets_widespread_support_1_4715641 [accessed 28 Sep 2016]

http://suffolkcf.org.uk/2016/09/launch-of-hidden-needs-2016/ [accessed 28 Sep 2016]

http://suffolkcf.s3.amazonaws.com/app/uploads/2016/09/Hidden-needs-report-WEB.pdf [accessed 28 Sep 2016]