Oldham most deprived borough in Greater Manchester

The Census data measured whether households had a greater risk of falling into deprivation in any of four ways: education, employment, health, and housing.

Just 40.9 per cent of Oldham households were labelled as not being at risk in any of these four ways.

This is compared to 45.8 per cent of households across all Greater Manchester boroughs.

The parts of the borough with the highest proportion of households deprived in at least one way were in proximity to Oldham town centre, with just 22.3 per cent of households around the Alexandra Park area not in any form of deprivation.

At the other end of the scale, more than two-thirds of households in New Delph, Dobcross & Austerlands were not deprived in any area.

In Trafford, 53.9 per cent of households were not at risk in any area – the highest level of all boroughs.

Across England and Wales, 48.3 per cent of households were not deprived – with the North East the most deprived and the South East, not including London, the least deprived.

The Census data does not consider people’s incomes, goods and services used, or the crime they are exposed to, and is different to the government’s 2019 index of deprivation.

The data was released last month as part of the Office for National Statistics’ 2021 census release schedule.

More than a third of Oldham households were deprived in one of the four dimensions, and just under a fifth (18.2 per cent) were deprived in two.

A total of 5.9 per cent were deprived in three dimensions, and 0.3 per cent were deprived in four.

Manchester borough households were slightly more likely than Oldham’s to be deprived in three or four ways.

‘Concerning’

Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon said: “It’s concerning that Oldham has ranked as the most deprived borough in Greater Manchester, especially given that the ongoing cost-of-living crisis is having the biggest impact on those already experiencing deprivation.

“I will continue to urge the government to do more to ensure support is there to tackle deprivation and I encourage any of my constituents experiencing difficulties to get in touch with my office or the council’s We Can Help helpline.”

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams added: “These figures show the stark reality of life in Oldham under a Tory government.

“The pandemic hit Oldham after over a decade of austerity, which disproportionately impacted towns like Oldham who have lost half of their council grant from central government since 2010.

“Oldham then spent more time during the pandemic in lockdown measures than most areas, but didn’t get proportionate support from the government.

“This meant more people and businesses struggling on reduced incomes.

“The government’s consistent failures to manage public services and infrastructure have led to multiple crises in health, housing and of course cost of living.

“The reality behind these statistics is more and more constituents contacting my office for support because the system has failed them.”

Council leader weighs in

Council leader Amanda Chadderton said: “It’s extremely sad seeing these figures and we are deeply concerned about the challenges many Oldham families and children are currently facing.

“The hardships caused by the pandemic are not behind us and now the cost of living crisis, and rises in the prices of fuel, energy, and food are hitting people harder than ever.

“In addition, years of austerity from the Government have also contributed to people being pushed into poverty. The UK has one of the biggest economies in the world – so it’s a national disgrace that we have so many living on so little.

“Our main priorities are supporting our residents, especially the young and the vulnerable, across the borough.

“That’s why we have ploughed £3m in our We Can Help campaign and only last week announced a £15m raft of support – one of the biggest investments in the country – into our children’s social care services.

“This council works hard to prevent people from falling into poverty and will look to support them with the resources available to us.

“We know it’s a tough time for many, but if you are struggling, you don’t have to face your problems alone.

“Our We Can Help team are here for you, for more information, please visit the website www.oldham.gov.uk/wecanhelp.”

Government responds

A Government spokesperson said: “Our priority will always be to support the most vulnerable and we recognise that people are struggling with rising prices which is why we are protecting millions of those most in need with at least £1,200 of direct help this year, including £400 towards energy costs.

“Our immediate support for families also includes our Energy Price Guarantee, saving around £900 for a typical household over winter and our Household Support Fund is helping people with essential costs.

“Meanwhile, the Chancellor recently announced a further extensive cost of living package, ensuring those most in need are supported next year as well as this.”