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observatory health, wellbeing & social services
A civilized society is one in which health and wellbeing are promoted, and care is provided to those requiring help or assistance to live a full and productive life. The benefits of a healthy community are measurable both in terms of economy and the relative levels of happiness and fulfillment experienced. Likewise, the negative impact of health inequality is also a measurable factor in the wellbeing of a community. This section of the Observatory takes a look at the indicators of health, wellbeing, and the functions of social services to provide a perspective on how rural communities fare in these measures.
The following analysis demonstrates the future challenges facing local authorities in supporting communities, with predicted ageing populations for all authority types. The predicted proportion of population who are 65 and over, and the rate of increase, is greatest within the...
The Government has an ambition for increased levels of activity both through cycling and walking. The following analyses take a look at statistics from the Department for Transport, and shows the position for a selected authority area relative to similar...
Through the answers given to four questions taken from the Annual Population Survey it is possible to gauge levels of life satisfaction, happiness, estimates of the feeling that things in life are worthwhile, and anxiety. This analysis presents this information...
Cold winter months can be a particular concern for those in a community with health issues, or for those struggling to cover their heating costs. The following analysis looks at the situation of excess winter deaths in your local authority...
The attached analysis looks at spending data taken from Public Health England. It provides comparison of a chosen authority to the regional and English averages, and also shows the difference in spending between Predominantly Rural and Predominantly Urban authorities (rural/urban...
The Active People Survey tracks the number of people taking part in sport at region, county sport partnership and local authority level. We have used the results from the ASP8 to present this analysis that we hope will help our...
The Government has an ambition for increased levels of cycling, and it is easy to see how it would be beneficial both in easing road congestion as well as increasing rates of physical activity. The following analysis takes a look...
Take-up of formal childcare by low income families can bring benefits to children's learning and development. This analysis looks at an authorities comparative situation against the rural/urban averages for all authorities. - Take-up of formal childcare by low income...
Local authority managed leisure facilities such as swimming pools are increasingly under pressure to make efficiency savings or even survival. With this view, the following is a brief look at the situation for swimming pool provision in rural local authorities....
Loneliness can be damaging both for physical and mental wellbeing. As such it is important to consider ways in which loneliness and social isolation can be minimised. This analysis and the accompanying notes take a look at the situation in...
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HOT TOPICS
Amid reduced public spending, fair resource allocation across regions is crucial. Despite a population larger than Greater London, rural areas receive significantly less funding for essential services, even though delivering these services in rural areas is more expensive.
Economic growth is widely acknowledged as essential for national wealth and prosperity and is a priority for political parties. Rural economies, employing millions and home to a higher proportion of small businesses, have potential for growth if barriers are removed.
Rural residents face distinct healthcare challenges, including limited access to transport, longer distances to medical facilities, an aging demographic, housing inadequacies, digital connectivity gaps, and difficulties recruiting health and care workers.
Rural communities are grappling with a severe affordable housing crisis, marked by high house prices, a lack of affordable housing, elevated living costs, and lower incomes, threatening their sustainability and vitality.
Transport is vital for the quality of life and economic health of rural areas, yet it faces challenges such as infrequent public bus services and less Government funding compared to urban regions.
Rural areas, encompassing a substantial portion of England's population and land, play a pivotal role in combating climate change and achieving the net zero target.
In an increasingly digital world, the lack of robust digital infrastructure in rural areas severely limits access to crucial services and stifles economic growth.
A future-focused vision for rural communities involves not just building the right homes in the right places but also ensuring thriving, sustainable communities.
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