Plight of Rotherham's poor worsening

ROTHERHAM is becoming more deprived, new figures show—and the gap between rich and poor is widening.

A national league table ranks the borough as the 53rd most deprived of 326 districts, up 15 places from four years ago.

The Government’s indices of deprivation were first published in 2000 to help identify which areas need the most help.

Borough Council policy officer Miles Crompton said that the higher rank in the table could increase the benefits to Rotherham from funding pots targeting such areas.

He added: “The indices are a key tool in policy development needs assessment, helping to shape, inform and monitor interventions.

Is enough being done to help deprived people in Rotherham? Click here Join our poll.

“They are a means by which local issues are identified and reflected in policies, strategies and needs assessments which should reflect local circumstances accurately and fairly.”

A new Joint Strategic Needs Assessment being considered by councillors will warn that extra mainstream funding is needed to tighten the gap between the most deprived areas and the rest of the borough.

The 2011 assessment—drawn up by the council and NHS—also notes that the ageing population will prove a key challenge in coming years.

The report says: “The increased number of people aged 85+ will place ever increasing pressures on health, social care, informal care and supported housing.

“Growing numbers of older people are living at home, which increases the likelihood of social care need.

“There will not be enough informal carers to meet the needs and the average age of carers, some of whom are disabled themselves, is rising.

“It is vital that the council, NHS and partner organisations respond to this.”

Another key issue is the growing ethnic diversity of Rotherham, changing the community profile, particularly in inner areas.

The assessment says: “Agencies need to be sensitive to different cultural needs and address barriers which make it difficult for some people to access services.

“New migrant communities in particular need help in understanding what services are available and in overcoming language barriers.”

Unemployment is back up to the rate of ten years ago, the report also notes, and Rotherham has the second highest rate of A&E admissions in the region.

Cancer deaths are about the regional and national averages and a key health challenge will be responding to increased social care demand from people living with disabilities for longer.

It adds: “Various consultation highlighted high levels of satisfaction with mane of the services delivered by both NHS Rotherham and RMBC.”

Mr Crompton said: “Ensuring that care is provided to support vulnerable people is a priority, as is closing the gap so that no community is left behind.

“It is, therefore, essential that we measure and monitor the needs of the population at borough and local level on a regular basis.”

What do you think? Is Rotherham becoming more deprived. Do you feel less well off? Use the "write a comment" buttons to post your views.