Wilson welcomes consultation on measures of social deprivation

Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, has welcomed new proposals aimed at measuring social deprivation more effectively.

The new proposals, which are out for consultation until November, are aimed at updating the current measures by which disadvantaged areas and communities are identified.

Unveiling the proposals, the Minister said: “The Executive is committed to tackling social disadvantage across Northern Ireland. In order to do this effectively, however, we need to be able to identify the most deprived areas in our community.

“Today’s announcement outlines updated measures of deprivation and asks for views from the community and voluntary sectors, local government, health and education sectors, and anyone with an interest in this work.”

The current measures of deprivation relate mostly to data from 2003. These measures identified that the most deprived parts of Northern Ireland are areas within the Whiterock, Shankill, Falls and Crumlin wards in the north and west of the Belfast City Council Area.

The measures are used widely by government departments in a variety of spending programmes and in monitoring the impact of government strategies.

The Minister continued: “If the Executive is to continue to make a real difference to local people’s lives, it is vitally important we have the most up-to-date information available to help us target resources more effectively. As the public finance position becomes tighter, it is more important than ever that we make best use of the resources we have.

“I would ask for anyone with an interest in this important work to come forward with their views. This can help make a real difference to our most disadvantaged communities.”

The consultation period will run until 6 November 2009. The resultant measures are planned for publication in early 2010.

Notes to Editors:

1. The Consultation Document is available at the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency website

2. To request hard copies of the Consultation Document, for further information, or to respond to the consultation, please contact:

3. The Northern Ireland Multiple Deprivation Measure 2005 is the current official measure of the spatial distribution of deprivation in Northern Ireland. The report details levels of deprivation in small areas with an average population of 2,000 people.

4. Media enquiries to DFP Communications Office on 028 9052 7378. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.