Laura Sharman 01 September 2016

Most deprived areas of Scotland are revealed

Ferguslie Park in Paisley has been named as the most deprived area in Scotland for the second time running.

The area has topped the new Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD), which rates nearly 7,000 small areas against measures such as housing, income and employment levels.

The table also shows that eleven council areas in Scotland have a larger share of deprivation compared to four years ago, with both West Dunbartonshire and Midlothian experiencing the largest rises.

Glasgow City Council has six of the ten most deprived areas in Scotland, with nearly half of its data zones in the 20% most deprived areas in Scotland.

Ten council areas now have a smaller share of deprivation, with both Dundee City and Invercylde councils seeing the largest decrease in their local share.

However, leader of Renfrewshire Council said the table does not reflect the full story and a pioneering anti-poverty programme started last year is already making a difference to the area.

Mark Macmillan said: 'The council has adopted an innovative approach to tackling poverty, recognised as leading the way in Scotland - and the SIMD stats are based on data from last year which does not fully capture the impact of that.

'The figures show the overall picture for Renfrewshire has improved and we believe we are making a difference on the ground.'

Communities secretary, Angela Constance, said the figures reveal the ‘long-term challenge of tackling poverty.

She said: ‘In the face of continuing UK Government welfare cuts, an austerity agenda and attempts to take Scotland out of Europe, this will continue to be a long-term challenge.

‘We are spending £100m protecting people against the worst effects of welfare reform and every pound spent on mitigation measures is a pound less that can be spent on lifting people out of poverty. But while UK Government policies are making matters worse for people on low incomes, we will continue to do all we can to tackle poverty and inequality.’

SIMD will be used by local authorities to ensure funding and services are used to tackle pockets of multiple deprivation.

Photo: © Richard Webb

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Activites Assistants (CASUAL)

Durham County Council
£24,404 (12.65 p.a. hour) - £25,183 (£13.05 p.a. hour)
This is an exciting opportunity for Casual Activities Assistants to join our Leisure and Sport Service.   Leisure Centres are
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Pension Administration Officer

Durham County Council
£24,404 to £25,183 p.a. (Grade 3) Pay award pending
A vacancy has arisen within Pension Services for an Administration Officer to provide admin and data support to the pensions team and members of the L Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

County Attendance Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £39513
We are seeking to recruit to the role of County Attendance Officer on a permanent basis to work predominately across the North or the South of the county. The team works across the whole of Oxfordshire so flexibility to work in other areas is also require County Hall, Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Software Engineer Starter

West Northamptonshire Council
£26914
We're looking for an exceptional human to join our digital team to learn the skills and put them into practice, designing, developing and maintaining websites, mobile apps & AI. You'll join us on our journey as we create better end-to-end services for our Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Executive Director - Growth, Enterprise and Environment

Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council
£139,111.00 (pay award pending)
This is a chance to make a significant difference to the lives of families across our borough – and to seriously improve your quality of life. Redcar and Cleveland House, Kirkleatham Street, Redcar, TS10 1RT
Recuriter: Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council
Linkedin Banner