21
Accepted
Set out timeline and process to revise Index of Multiple Deprivation for rural deprivation.
Recommendation
We recommend that DEFRA and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities set out a timeline and process by which to review and revise the Index of Multiple Deprivation with the aim of more accurately capturing rural deprivation. The Government should commit to reaching a position by the end of this year, 2023, whereby it can commence a consultation on draft changes to the Index and guidance for decision-makers, and how the Index should be used to support funding decisions.
Government Response Summary
The government recognizes that the current Index of Multiple Deprivation does not adequately capture rural deprivation and has commissioned an update to the English Indices of Deprivation, with a provisional release anticipated in 2025.
Paragraph Reference
144
Government Response
Accepted
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The government recognises that the current Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) does not make visible the level and distribution of rural deprivation that exists. To address this, Defra and DLUHC are already working collaboratively, as part of the work to review the IMD, to strengthen understanding of how deprivation in rural areas can be measured using small area administrative data. Following a competitive tender process, Deprivation.org and Oxford Consultants for Social Inclusion have been commissioned by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to update the English Indices of Deprivation. The project will seek to review, update, enhance and develop the Indices suite of National Statistics from the most recent IoD2019 release. The update will also take forward each action highlighted through DLUHC’s 2022 user consultation. Provisionally, the release date for updated English Indices of Deprivation and the Index of Multiple Deprivation is anticipated in 2025.
Timeline
Recommendation age
3.0 yrs
Report published
18 May 2023