§ 29. Siobhain McDonaghTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to improve the accuracy of the local deprivation index.[1333301]
§ Ms Beverley HughesThe new Indices of Deprivation 2000 were published by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions in August. The indices, based on 33 ward level indicators of deprivation, were developed after careful research, data testing and extensive consultation with users. They provide local authorities and others with information on deprivation within their area as well as providing national Government and regional bodies with a picture of deprivation across the whole of England. I am confident that they represent the best that is possible at the current time. The indices will be kept under review and will be revised when significantly better information on deprivation for small areas becomes available.