Deprivation

Deprivation relates to the lack of a resource which is needed for a basic standard of life. There are many different types of deprivation and people can be deprived of one or more of these resources. For example:

• a decent home
• a clean environment
• a good education
• reliable employment
• a steady income
• good health
• decent social conditions.

It is important to measure the different levels of deprivation experienced by people in order to identify those areas where people are most in need. We can then allocate resources and funding to help improve these areas. To help us do this, the Government has commissioned Oxford University to develop the Indices of Deprivation. This is a national index which means we can compare Kent's levels of deprivation (and areas within Kent), with other parts of England.

On 6 December 2007, the Indices of Deprivation 2007 (ID 2007) was released by Communities and Local Government (CLG). This updates the Indices of Deprivation 2004. Two documents have been produced that present the levels of deprivation in Kent:

• Headline findings for Kent and districts within Kent based on the ID 2007 presents some topline results
• The Pattern of Deprivation in Kent based on the ID 2007 presents a more detailed picture of the levels of deprivation in Kent at county, district and super output area level. This report contains maps of deprivation.