Birmingham Ranked Second Poorest City in England According to New Data

Towns and cities across England have been ranked in a new national deprivation list, revealing that Birmingham now holds the position of the second poorest local authority area in the country. According to the updated report from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, poverty rates in Birmingham have deteriorated significantly over recent years. This marks the first update since 2019, when Birmingham was ranked seventh.

The latest data highlights that nearly half of all neighbourhoods in Birmingham—specifically 43%—are classified as highly deprived. Among these, Druids Heath has emerged as the most impoverished area in the city. Now trailing only Middlesbrough on the list of England’s most deprived locations, Birmingham’s situation underscores a growing concern regarding local economic conditions.

Wider Midlands Impacted by Deprivation

The deprivation list also sheds light on other areas in the West Midlands. Walsall follows Birmingham as the next most deprived area, ranking 25th out of 296 local authority areas. Close behind is Wolverhampton, which occupies the 32nd position. Sandwell, once considered one of the poorest areas, has improved slightly to 54th.

In the broader Midlands region, Nottingham and Stoke-on-Trent are also noted for their high deprivation levels, ranking 18th and 19th respectively. The report reflects not only the economic challenges faced by these cities but also the long-lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on local communities.

The analysis for this deprivation list incorporates various factors including income, employment, education, health, crime, housing, and the local environment. This comprehensive approach aims to provide a clearer picture of the socio-economic landscape across England.

Key Areas of Concern

Interestingly, the most impoverished neighbourhood in England is located in Jaywick, Clacton-on-Sea, which falls under the constituency of Nigel Farage. Furthermore, the five subsequent most deprived areas are all situated in Blackpool, indicating a concentrated level of deprivation in specific regions.

On the other end of the spectrum, the least deprived areas in England are found in St Albans, highlighting the stark contrasts in wealth and opportunity across the country.

As local authorities work to address these growing concerns, the updated deprivation list serves as a crucial tool for understanding and responding to the needs of communities facing economic hardship.