(Title Image: Wales Online)
The recently-released Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (WIMB) statistics for 2019 showed little change since 2014.
The areas with the highest concentration of local areas within the bottom 10% on measures of deprivation include Blaenau Gwent, the upper Rhondda and Rhymney valleys, Merthyr Tydfil, inner-city areas of Newport, Swansea and Cardiff as well as west Rhyl in Denbighshire.
“Spreading prosperity and tackling poverty is a priority commitment for this Welsh Government but we are working against the severe and unhelpful backdrop of a decade of austerity. There is no doubt that challenges remain but we will continue to fight tirelessly for a more equal and prosperous Wales where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.”
– Economy & Transport Minister, Ken Skates (Lab, Clwyd South)
165 of 191 lower super output areas (statistical areas smaller than council wards) remained in the lowest 10% of areas of deprivation since 2014. Similarly, 899 of 954 output areas remained in the 50% least deprived areas.
The WIMD measures material deprivation including incomes, employment, health, education, access to services, housing, community safety and the physical environment.
