Parts of Greater Manchester have been among some of the poorest areas in the country.

In a report published this week by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Working Age Poverty Risk Index’ of English parliamentary constituencies. 

The poverty risk index scores constituencies from 0 to 10 (where 0 is the lowest risk and 10 the highest), and is calculated using a combination of out of work benefits and in work tax credit recipients of working age.

The index It shows the seats where people are most at risk of poverty, and where people are struggling in low paid work, with fuel bills and their ability to afford a local home to buy.

Eleven Greater Manchester 11 constituencies featured in the top 30 list, with places such as Blackley and Broughton and Rochdale in the top ten poorest areas.

Nationwide Labour heartlands dominated the index. As well as Blackley and Broughton Liverpool Walton, Birmingham Hodge Hill, Nottingham North, Bradford West, Knowsley, Birkenhead, Blackpool South, Middlesbrough, Bootle and Bradford East scored highest, while areasaround Manchester, Liverpool, South Yorkshire and the North East have the highest numbers receiving out of work benefits.

The survey found the public say the cost of living, low wages and the high cost of housing were the most important factors contributing to poverty in the UK.

Voters also say building more affordable homes is the best answer to the problem, alongside reforming job centres.

Julia Unwin, chief executive of JRF, said:

“This polling shows over a third of people feel they do not know who is best placed to help the 13 million people living in poverty and struggling to make ends meet in modern Britain. The vote for Brexit showed far too many people were left behind for too long, with 58% of people earning less than £20,000 a year voted to leave the EU. Parties of all colours have failed to ensure prosperity and opportunity is shared across all parts of the country.
“From Conservative enclaves to Labour industrial heartlands, many people face insecurity and see their chances of building a better life stymied by the onset of low paid work, high costs and a lack of skills.

“From making work pay, to creating more and better jobs and helping people with the high cost of fuel and housing, this data shows poverty reaches all corner of Britain and the key issues the parties must get to grips with if they are to make Britain work for all.”

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here