The latest data from the Government has highlighted significant socio-economic inequalities in Bristol, marking the first update in six years. The newly released “English Indices of Deprivation 2025” reveals a stark contrast between affluent and deprived areas within the city, indicating little improvement since the last report in 2019.
The deprivation index categorizes Bristol into 268 neighbourhoods, each representing around 1,500 residents. This detailed approach, which looks at seven critical factors including income, employment, health, and education, allows for a more granular understanding of local disparities. The findings show that while some parts of Bristol rank among the most affluent in England, others fall into the most deprived categories.
Disparities Across Bristol
The wealthiest neighbourhood in Bristol is located in Henleaze, which ranks in the top 0.3 percent out of over 33,000 areas in England. Notably, this affluent area is less than a mile from Southmead, which is ranked among the lowest three percent of most deprived areas in the country. This juxtaposition highlights the extent of inequality that persists within the city.
Hartcliffe is particularly affected, with six out of the eight most deprived areas of Bristol located here. The most deprived area, designated as “Bristol 053E,” is situated from Fulford Road to the tower blocks on Bishport Avenue. This neighbourhood ranks as the 211th most deprived in England, placing it in the bottom 0.6 percent nationally.
Other neighbourhoods, including parts of Withywood, Knowle West, and Barton Hill, also rank within the bottom five percent for deprivation. The statistics indicate that these areas have not seen significant progress since the last index was published.
Comparative Analysis of Deprivation
Interestingly, the most deprived neighbourhoods in the Bristol area extend beyond the city limits. Two neighbourhoods within the Bournville Estate in Weston-super-Mare are ranked among the lowest one percent in England. One of these areas is identified as the 86th most deprived neighbourhood nationally.
In stark contrast, many areas of Bristol, particularly in Henleaze and Sneyd Park, are among the least deprived in the country. The Henleaze neighbourhood, known as Bristol 011B, is the least deprived area in Bristol, with only 103 other small areas in England outperforming it in terms of socio-economic factors.
The implications of these findings are significant. They illustrate a persistent divide in living standards, which continues to impact residents’ opportunities and quality of life. The Government’s report serves as a crucial tool for understanding the socio-economic landscape of Bristol, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and policies to bridge these gaps.
As the data becomes public, it is expected to spark discussions among policymakers, community leaders, and residents alike about the pressing need for action to address these disparities.
