Most deprived areas of Blackburn with Darwen according to Census

Office for National Statistics data shows 58.8 per cent of households in Blackburn with Darwen were deprived in at least one of these "dimensions" when the most recent census was carried out.

It meant the area stood above the average across England and Wales​, of 51.7 per cent. ​However, it represented a drop from 64.1 per cent at the time of the last census in 2011.

In Blackburn with Darwen, the three areas with the highest deprivation rates were:

1. Audley – 75.2 per cent of households here were deprived in at least one dimension at the time of the 2021 census, down from 80 per cent in 2011
2. Central Blackburn – 71.6 per cent, ​falling from 77.4 per cent in 2011
3. Little Harwood – 70.1 per cent, a drop from 78.9 per cent in 2011

By contrast, the neighbourhood with the lowest level of deprivation was Tockholes, Edgworth and Hoddlesden, at 40.5 per cent of households.

As part of the 2021 census, households in England and Wales were classified in terms of four different "dimensions of deprivation", which are based on certain characteristics.

The first is where any member of a household, who is not a full-time student, is either unemployed or long-term sick, and the second covers households where no person has at least five or more GCSE passes or equivalent qualifications, and no 16 to 18-year-olds at the home are full-time students.

The third dimension is where any person in the household has general health that is “bad” or “very bad” or has a long-term health problem, and the fourth where the household’s accommodation is either overcrowded or is in a shared dwelling, or has no central heating.

The ONS said deprivation is a "complex topic", adding that more detailed information would come in future releases.

Executive Member for Public Health, Prevention and Wellbeing, Cllr Damian Talbot said:  “Although it is positive that on the face of it the rates of deprivation have gone down over a decade, I know many people will not see this reflected in their own circumstances as everyone contends with higher costs not matched by higher incomes, and we will still continue to work with residents who are classed as deprived and aim to improve their quality of life to lower these figures, further.

"Despite the ongoing impacts of the cost of living crisis, and the serious upcoming budget challenges that mean more difficult decisions will have to be made, we have a real determination to keep moving ahead with our ambitious plans for the borough.

"It is our main aim to get our residents in the best possible position to improve their wellbeing and welfare and offer the support that is needed to make the change in at least one of the dimensions which categorises them as deprived.

"As we move forward with the proposals raised in the recent public health report we will see a shift in health and employment with the focus on the ongoing work to tackle health inequalities in Blackburn with Darwen.

"This will sustain community and individual resilience, tackle the ongoing cost of living crisis and the create inclusive growth and prosperity of the borough.”