Recent data from the National Census 2021 has revealed significant levels of deprivation in Street, Glastonbury, Wells, and Shepton Mallet, among other areas in Somerset.

According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), these areas face varying degrees of challenges in key dimensions like education, employment, health, and housing.

• In Glastonbury Town, 35.5% of households are deprived in one dimension.
• Glastonbury West & Street South shows 35.3% of households facing one dimension of deprivation.
• Street Village reports 33.9% of households experiencing deprivation in one dimension.
• Shepton Mallet has 33.8% of households facing at least one dimension of deprivation.
• Wells Town indicates 35.9% of households are deprived in one dimension.

These figures are part of a broader analysis in Somerset, where 49.6% of households experience deprivation in at least one of these areas. Bridgwater North is identified as the most deprived area in Somerset, with 64.6% of households facing challenges in at least one metric.

A household is classified as deprived in the education dimension if no one has at least level 2 education (GCSE level) and no one aged 16 to 18 years is a full-time student. In the employment category, a household is thought of as deprived if anyone who is not a full-time student, is either unemployed or disabled.

A household is classified as deprived in the health dimension if any member is disabled and classed as deprived in the housing dimension if the household's accommodation is either overcrowded, in a shared dwelling, or has no central heating.

While West Somerset and Taunton fare slightly better, with 50.4% of households not experiencing any deprivation, Sedgemoor shows higher levels at 52.5%. The data also highlights a trend of higher deprivation in urban areas, with West Somerset ranking poorly in terms of social mobility, affecting educational and employment prospects for children.

In the broader Somerset context, areas like Taunton Pyrland & Priorswood, Bridgwater North, and Highbridge in Sedgemoor, and Chard West in South Somerset also show high levels of deprivation. North Somerset and Mendip face deprivation levels of 48.5% and 48% respectively, with specific areas like Weston Bourneville and Frome North West being notably affected.

This data provides vital insights into the socio-economic challenges faced by communities in Somerset, particularly in Street, Glastonbury, Wells, and Shepton Mallet, underlining the need for targeted interventions.

Paul Kissack, chief executive of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said: "Across our country we are leaving families freezing in their homes or lacking basic necessities like food and clothing.

"Such severe hardship should have no place in the UK today – and the British public will not stand for destitution on this scale."

The destitution score for Mendip stands at 0.559. While not at the top of the list, the score is a sobering reflection of the challenges many residents face in meeting basic living needs.

Professor Suzanne Fitzpatrick, from Heriot-Watt University, added: "This is morally reprehensible and must act as a stark wake-up call to policymakers across the political spectrum."

A UK Government spokesperson said: "Our number one priority is driving down inflation because that will help everyone's money go further."

The spokesperson outlined financial support "worth an average of £3,300 per household" which has been provided to date, as well as an investment of £3.5 billion to help people into work, and the expansion of free childcare.