Appendix 2 – Baseline data

National [England South Additional comment Indicator South West unless otherwise Target Local trend Status Source Somerset (where appropriate) stated]

Detailed results showed that there were high satisfaction levels with the overall services supplied by the council (71% of respondents being satisfied or very satisfied) and our residents South Somerset District Council Annual 2004/05 were particularly impressed with Report 2005, Very satisfied = 48% our waste collection and 2004/05 http://www.southsomerset.gov.uk/media/pdf/ Resident satisfaction: % Fairly satisfied = 38% recycling services compared to Socio- Satisfied - o/r/Annual_Report2005_including_BVPP.pd of residents satisfied Neither satisfied nor other councils around the Cultural 87% Data Gap f ODPM: Survey of English with their local area as a dissatisfied = 5% country. However, the research Issues Dissatisfied - Housing Live Tables(Attitudes to LocalArea) place to live Slightly dissatisfied = did reveal that satisfaction is not 2% http://www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/groups/odp 6% as high as we would like for m_control/documents/contentservertemplate Very dissatisfied = 3% some of our services, including /odpm_index.hcst?n=1467&l=5 the provision of activities and facilities for young people and street cleaning, so we know we need to concentrate on improving our performance in these areas.

2005 = 156,100 An increase of about Increasing Population growth will 1,000 persons Population projections estimate 2005 = 5.1 million 2005 = 50,431,700 largely be due to in- since 2004 continued annual average Office for National Statistics (ONS) Census 2001; An increase of about An increase of about migration. Fertility rates Registrar General’s Mid-year estimates 2005; Population (0.6%) growth to be about 1,000+, 29,600 since 2004 338,600 since 2004 are below sustainability Population and Ageing in South Somerset, SSDC (Annual equalling population rises to (0.6%) (0.7%) levels and death rates 2006 average 161,000 at 2010, 166,700 at exceed birth rates. increase 2015, and 172,600 at 2020 since 1981 = about 1,070 persons)

Population density is significantly lower than the 2001 - 1.57 2001 - 2.07 2001 - 3.77 Population Density national and regional rates Office for National Statistics (ONS) Census 2001 2002 - 1.58 2002 - 2.08 2002 - 3.80 South West Observatory - State of the South (persons per ha) clearly illustrating the 2005 - 1.63 2005 - 2.12 2005 - 3.87 West 2007 overall rural nature of SSDC. The number of households in the District is growing at a faster rate than population, reflecting This trend is projected to 1991 - 59,711 1991 - 1,968,235 the national trend of decreasing continue with latest ONS 2001 - 63,769 Number of Households 2001 - 2,085,984 average household size. estimates suggesting a Office for National Statistics (ONS) Census 2001 Increase = Increase = 6.0% However the increase in South significant increase in 6.8% Somerset is higher than the number of households. regional figure and significantly higher than the national figure.

South Somerset has a high proportion of elderly persons The growth in ageing Statistical source ONS. 2001 = 19.6% and population projections population will have (1) Mid-year estimates: Neighbourhood Population structure - % over 65 2001 = 18.7% over 65 2001 = 15.9% over 65 indicate a large increase in considerable impact on Statistics (Resident Population Estimates for 65 and over 2005 = 20.0% 2005 = 18.8% over 65 2005 = 16.0% over 65 numbers aged 65+. Projections services and the local Local Authorities, All Persons) over 65 also predict a decrease in those economy. http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk aged 0-15 and 25-44.

2004 2001 White; 97.9% 98.9% 2004 2001 2004 2001 Similar pattern of ethnic mix at Statistical source ONS. Mixed; 0.6% White; 96.5% 97.7% White; 89.5% 94.1% local and regional level both Mid-year estimates: Neighbourhood Population structure - % 0.5% Mixed; 0.9% 0.8% Mixed; 1.5% 1.0% with lower levels of non-white Statistics (Resident Population Estimates for Ethnic Diversity Asian; Asian; 1.1% 0.7% Asian; 5.1% 2.9% groups compared to the Local Authorities, All Persons) 0.6% 0.2% Black; 0.7% 0.4% Black; 2.6% 1.4% national average http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk Black; Chinese; 0.7% 0.5% Chinese; 1.2% 0.7% 0.3% 0.1% Chinese; 0.7% 0.3%

2001 2001 2001 1 = 7.5% 1 = 7.7% 1 = 8.6% Statistical source ONS. 2 = 17.2% 2 = 18.7% 2 = 18.7% South Somerset has a higher (1) Neighbourhood Statistics (National 3 = 8.2% 3 = 9.1% 3 = 9.5% proportion of people in the top 4 Social grade structure Statistics Socio-economic Classification - All 4 = 9.5% 4 = 8.8% 4 = 7.0% social grades than both the People (KS14A) Census April 2001) 5 = 9.3% 5 = 7.6% 5 = 7.1% regional and national figures. http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk 6 = 13.1% 6 = 12.3% 6 = 11.7% 7 = 10.1% 7 = 8.9% 7 = 9.0% Somerset Crime Reduction and Drug Strategy 2003/04 = 2005-2008. Violence against the person Overall South Somerset is Crime - violence against 15.0 2003/04 = 16.5 2003/04 = 16.6 Priority aim to increased between 2003/04 and a safe place and is Audit Commission Area Profiles Quality of the person (rate per 1000 2004/05 = 2004/05 = 19.0 2004/05 = 17.5 reduce violent 2004/05 at a higher rate than perceived as such by its life survey (2005) BMG Research population) 18.7 crime by 15% by elsewhere. residents. 2007-08 compared to 2003-04

Generally, rates for specific The majority of residents 2003 = 9.5 2003 = 12.3 2003 = 18.6 crimes are lower than regional feel safe in their homes Crime - burglary (rate per Audit Commission Area Profiles Quality of 2004 = 8.2 2004 = 10.7 2004 = 14.7 or national figures and both and local area, although 1000 households) life survey (2005) BMG Research 2005 = 6.3 2005 = 8.9 2005 = 13.8 burglaries and car crimes have perceived safety is lower fallen in recent years. at night than by day.

Mendip & South Somerset Crime & Drugs Strategy Generally, rates for specific 2005-8 - To 2003 = 11.2 2003 = 13.7 2003 = 17.0 crimes are lower than regional Crime - vehicular (rate reduce vehicle Audit Commission Area Profiles Quality of 2004 = 18.7 2004 = 11.5 2004 = 14.0 or national figures and both per 1000 population) crime by 15% by life survey (2005) BMG Research 2005 = 6.9 2005 = 10.4 2005 = 13.5 burglaries and car crimes have 2007/08, fallen in recent years. compared to the base year figure for 2003/04. Total crime rates are below both regional and national levels, a Overall South Somerset is 2003 = 45.5 2003 = 55.2 2003 = 69.3 Total recorded crime notably lower level compared to a safe place and is Audit Commission Area Profiles Quality of 2004 = 45.3 2004 = 52.7 2004 = 64.0 rates the latter. Rates have fallen perceived as such by its life survey (2005) BMG Research 2005 = 38.7 2005 = 50.2 2005 = 62.7 recently, mirroring trends residents. elsewhere.

95% felt safe at home alone at night and 97% felt safe In the Quality of Life % feeling very unsafe % feeling very unsafe Results from the Quality of Life at home alone Survey only 5% of walking alone at night walking alone at night Survey (2005) BMG Research, during the residents believed that 2003/04 2003/04 shows that the majority of day. levels of crime and Male aged 16-59 - 1% Male aged 16-59 - 2% residents feel safe in their Quality of life Survey (2005) BMG Research Fear of crime 77% felt safe disorder had improved in Female aged 16-59 - Female aged 16-59 - homes and local area, although, ONS www.statistics.gov.uk walking alone the previous year 9% Male aged >59 - 14% Male aged >59 - not surprisingly, perceived at night and compared to 12% 6% Female aged 8% Female aged safety is lower at night than by 93% felt safe believing it to have >59 - 24% >59 - 29% day. walking alone worsened. during the day in their local area.

In the Quality of Life 2005/06 Survey only 5% of Burglary - 2005/06 Levels of worry about crime are residents believed that 2005/06 10% Burglary - 13% slightly higher in South levels of crime and Burglary - 9% Worry about crime (%) Car Crime - Car Crime - 14% Somerset than the regional disorder had improved in Home Office www.homeoffice.gov.uk Car Crime - 11% 11% Violent Crime - 17% figures, but are still lower than the previous year Violent Crime - 12% Violent Crime England & Wales national figures. compared to 12% - 13% believing it to have worsened. 2001 - 8 Young people (under 18) Data not directly comparable 2003 - 12 2001 - 20 2001 - 24 Department for Education and Skills - on child protection though there is an ongoing drive 2005 - 9 2003 - 21 2003 - 24 http://www.dfes.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/VOL/v register per 10,000 at to reduce numbers of children (figures for 2005 - 19 2005 - 23 000553/index.shtml 31/03 on the protection register Somerset)

In general terms, the District The recent Quality of Life presents a picture of relative Survey (2005) by BMG prosperity with a growing Research showed that 7% Quality of life Survey (2005) BMG Research Unemployment Rate - % 2001 - 3.1% 2001 - 3.8% 2001 - 5.0% economy, unemployment is of residents thought that ONS National Statistics of economically active 2003/4 - 2.3% 2003/4 - 3.6% 2003/4 - 4.64% consistently below regional and job opportunities in the http://www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/them population 2004/5 - 1.1% 2004/5 - 3.4% national rates and there has local area had improved e_labour/ALALFS/Chapter3.pdf been a net increase in new compared to 3% who businesses in recent years. thought it had worsened.

http://www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/them Unemployment among 2004 - 7.2% Data gap 2004 - 5.5% Local data needed e_compendia/region_in_figures_winter04/S disabled people Great Britain outh_West.pdf

In 2004 South Somerset was In overall terms, South ranked at 240 out of 354 in Somerset in not a terms of national indices of disadvantaged area. multiple deprivation (1=most However, there are deprived). In 2001 the pockets of deprivation equivalent ranking was 230. In across the District, largely Index of multiple 2004, the Yeovil Central, East 2004 - 13.68 Data Gap 2004 - 14.26 (?) in urban areas. The www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk deprivation and West wards were in the top ranking of 240 on the 20 most deprived wards in indices of multiple Somerset. In 2004, 3% of the deprivation puts South District’s population lived in the Somerset in the least 20% most deprived super deprived 35% of local output areas in the country, authorities in the country. compared to 14% nationally. GDP £ per head (UK = 100 [3yr average 1997- Data gap 1999 – 89 Local data needed http://www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/rt1002.pdf 100) 99]

Homelessness in the District has reduced in recent years ODPM Policy following high levels between Briefing 11 2001 and 2003, reflecting in 2001-02 445 Providing more part more effective early Homeless households (6.9) settled Homes intervention and prevention 2001-02 11,300 (5.4) 2001-02 116,660 (5.6) accepted & in priority 2003-04 346 aims to halve the measures introduced recently. 2003-04 11,230 (5.3) 2003-04 135,430 (6.5) www.communities.gov.uk need (No per 1000 (5.3) number of At a more detailed level there 2005-06 7,820 (3.7) 2005-06 93,980 (4.5) households) 2005-06 88 households living may be issues arising around (1.3) in temporary proportionately higher levels for accommodation ethnic minorities and migrant by 2010 workers choosing to stay on and bring their families to live with them.

Data not directly comparable Temporary 2003-04 71 2003-04 6,697 2003-04 106,025 (can be compared by % change www.communities.gov.uk accommodation 2004-05 175 2004-05 6,977 2004-05 105,586 over time)

% households with no http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/Area_ adults in employment 2001 – 2.41% 2001 – 3.47% 2001 – 4.83% Select_fs.asp?nsid=false&CE=True&SE=Tr and with dependent ue&P=S children In general terms South Life expectancy in the District Somerset is a healthy 2002 M 78.0 increased by 1.5 years for place with higher than F 82.1 2002 M 77.4 F 81.8 2002 M 76.2 F 80.7 PSA floor targets Average life expectancy females and 2.1 years for males average life expectancy for 2003 M 78.4 2003 M 77.8 F 82.0 2003 M 76.6 F 80.9 www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk over the 10 year period up to both females and males F 82.2 2003. and a lower than average premature death rate.

In 2001, 32.3% of households in South Somerset contained one Limiting long-term illness 2001 - or more persons with a long- No target - situation 2001 – 18.1%/33.1% 2001 – 17.9%/34.1% ONS http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk (%persons/%households) 17.4%/32.3% term limiting illness, slightly appears favourable below the Regional rate (33.1%) and the national rate (34.1%)

To reduce the rate of conceptions among under 18 1998-2000 year olds by 15% 35.7 by 2004, and by Conceptions amongst 1998-2000 37.7 1998-2000 45.0 2000-2002 45% by 2010; To teenage girls (15-17) per 2000-2002 36.2 2000-2002 42.9 http://www.fti.neighbourhood.gov.uk 32.4 set a firmly 1000 2002-2004 34.6 2002-2004 42.0 2002-2004 established 31.2 downward trend in conception rates for under 16 year olds by 2010; 2.1 Fertility Rate (live births 2002 - 1.65 2002 - 1.81 2002 - 1.62 (sustainable ONS per adult female) England & Wales population)

The Standard Mortality Ratio 2003 - 87 SMR (Standardised (an indicator of premature 2004 – 86 2003 - 92 2003 - 99 Mortality Ratios) (UK - deaths) rates South Somerset www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk (Dorset & 2004 - 91 2004 - 99 100) at 87, compared to 92 regionally Somerset) and 100 nationally.

Mortality (all ages) from UK accidents per 100,000 Data gap Data Gap [2001 and 2002] = 15.8 population [1995 to 1997] = 15.8 Fuel poverty to be eradicated in Fuel poverty is defined as England by 2016. Percentage of 2003 - 6.0% any household where 10% 2004 - 6.2% No low-income or households in fuel Data gap 2004 - 5.9% Local data needed or more of income is spent www.dti.gov.uk 2005 - 7.1% disabled poverty 2005 - 6.9% on heating or energy household will be costs. in fuel poverty by 2010.

Percentage of ONS households with no 2001 - 9.9% 2001 - 9.8% 2001 - 8.5% Ongoing target http://www.statistics.gov.uk/census2001/prof central heating iles/00AK-A.asp Ongoing target. The government also On 2 December announced plans to 2004, the abolish Incapacity Benefit government for new claimants and announced an replace it with payments ambitious reform that more actively support programme to all those who would like to expand pathways work to do so. People with pilots to cover the There are 2.7 million people of severe health conditions Jobcentre Plus working age in the UK who are 2002 - 4,350 2002 - 167,080 2002 - 1,995,090 will receive a new Number of people districts with the claiming either Incapacity 2003 - 4,630 2003 - 176,660 2003 - 2,091,820 Disability and Sickness claiming disability living greatest Benefit or Severe Disability www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk 2004 - 4,940 2004 - 185,940 2004 - 2,173,470 Allowance, worth more allowance proportions of the Allowance. Total spending on 2005 - 5,210 2005 - 194,720 2005 - 2,237,510 than the current incapacity working age benefits for disabled people was rate. The rest will receive a population on in excess of £19 billion in 2004. flat rate Rehabilitation incapacity Support Allowance worth benefits. The £55 a week (the same as target is to get the Jobseeker’s 900,000 Allowance) and extra claimants back to money (the amount has work by October not been specified yet) for 2006. individuals participating in back-to-work programmes

2002 - £376.50 There is a consistent 2003 - 2002 - £392.70 Average wages in the District difference between male 2002 - £367.10 Average gross weekly £392.50 2003 - £406.20 are below regional and national and female full time 2003 - £383.90 earnings (full time 2004 - 2004 - £421.30 rates and have not been salaries, which in 2006 Economy 2004 - £396.90 Nomisweb http://www.nomisweb.co.uk workers – male and £393.50 2005 - £432.80 growing at the same rate in equated to male 2005 - £406.00 female) 2005 - 2006 - £449.60 recent years. Indeed, there was employees earning about 2006 - £423.50 £390.10 (Great Britain) a slight decline in the last year £6,000 pa more than 2006 - females £401.60

2001/2002 - 84.7% 2002/2003 - 2001/2002 - 78.3% % of economically active 2001/2002 - 82.1% 86.3% 2002/2003 - 78.3% people of working age 2002/2003 - 81.6% 2003/2004 - 2003/2004 - 78.2% (i.e. those aged 16 to 64 2003/2004 - 81.4% Nomisweb http://www.nomisweb.co.uk 87.2% 2004/2005 - 78.3% for men or 16 to 59 for 2004/2005 - 80.8% 2004/2005 - 2005/2006 - 78.3% women) 2005/2006 - 80.4% 82.6% (Great Britain) 2005/2006 - 82.0% Since 2001, the net rate of change (about 1% pa) reflected regional and national rates. The greatest changes were in 2001 - 166465 At the end of 2005, there were real estate, renting and 2001 - 415 2001 - 14455 2002 - 173330 about 5,790 VAT registered business activities (+170 2002 - 445 2002 - 15555 2003 - 187375 business in the District. There business/+13%), Business registrations 2003 - 475 2003 - 16625 Nomisweb http://www.nomisweb.co.uk 2004 - 179580 were about 395 registrations construction (+90 2004 - 475 2004 - 15495 2005 - 173595 during the year compared to business/+12%), hotels 2005 - 395 2005 - 14920 (Great Britain) about 350 de-registrations. and restaurants (+50 businesses/+15%), agriculture, forestry and fishing (-70 businesses/- 5%), and manufacturing (- 40 businesses/-8%).

Business registrations minus Business DTI Small Business Service - VAT 2005 - 0.8% 2005 - 1.3% 2005 - 1.4% Deregistrations (% registrations/deregistrations by industry growth)

2001/2002 - In 2003, 25.3% of 12.2% employees worked in 2002/2003 - 2001/2002 - 11.7% manufacturing, more than 2001/2002 - 11.3% 10.2% 2002/2003 - 11.7% The employment structure double the regional % Professional 2002/2003 - 11.2% 2003/2004 - 2003/2004 - 12.1% shows a continuing dependence (12.5%) and national occupations - employed 2003/2004 - 11.7% Nomisweb http://www.nomisweb.co.uk 11.3% 2004/2005 - 12.6% on manufacturing, which has (12.6%) averages. workforce 16-74 2004/2005 - 11.9% 2004/2005 - 2005/2006 - 12.7% shown a decline in recent years Averages in all other 2005/2006 - 11.8% 11.2% (Great Britain) sectors are lower than 2005/2006 - regional and national 12.4% rates, with marked 2001/2002 - differences in services and 10.2% tourism-related industries. 2002/2003 - 2001/2002 - 13.8% 2001/2002 - 13.5% 9.6% 2002/2003 - 14.4% % Managers and senior 2002/2003 - 13.9% 2003/2004 - 2003/2004 - 14.6% officials among 2003/2004 - 14.3% Nomisweb http://www.nomisweb.co.uk 10.1% 2004/2005 - 14.9% employed workforce 2004/2005 - 14.8% 2004/2005 - 2005/2006 - 14.9% 2005/2006 - 15.0% 9.2% (Great Britain) 2005/2006 - 13.5% 2001/2002 - 13.0% 2002/2003 - 2001/2002 - 12.0% 2001/2002 - 12.7% 14.2% 2002/2003 - 12.2% Proportion of elementary 2002/2003 - 12.4% 2003/2004 - 2003/2004 - 11.8% occupations amongst 2003/2004 - 12.2% Nomisweb http://www.nomisweb.co.uk 11.8% 2004/2005 - 11.5% employed workforce 2004/2005 - 11.8% 2004/2005 - 2005/2006 - 11.4% 2005/2006 - 11.6% 9.5% (Great Britain) 2005/2006 - 11.4%

% of Economically active people that work mostly 2001 - 12% 2001 - 11% 2001 - 9% Census 2001 from home

Tourism accounts for 4.5% of GDP and employs 2.1 million people. There are an estimated 2.1 million jobs in tourism in the UK, some 7% of all people in 2000 - 7.7% 2000 - 6.4% 2000 - 8.4% employment in Great 2001 - 7.8% 2001 - 7.4% 2001 - 8.6% Britain. There are more Percentage of jobs in the 2002 - 8.0% 2002 - 6.4% 2002 - 8.7% jobs in tourism than in Nomisweb http://www.nomisweb.co.uk tourism sector 2003 - 8.1% 2003 - 5.1% 2003 - 9.1% construction or transport. 2004 - 8.2% 2004 - 5.4% 2004 - 9.1% Approximately 160,000 of (Great Britain) these jobs are in self- employment. The number of employee jobs in tourism was unchanged between Q2 2001 and Q2 2002 at 2.0 million.

2001 - 7060 2001 - 282060 2001 - 3336790 Benefit recipients 2003 - 7230 2003 - 284760 2003 - 3371310 ONS Neighbourhood Statistics (Income support) 2005 - 2920 2005 - 138950 2005 - 1795930 2000 - £94672 2001 - £102973 House prices in South Naturally actual sale prices 2000 - £102535 2000 - £105924 2002 - Somerset have been close to for individual properties will 2001 - £115633 2001 - £117398 £126227 the national average, rising vary depending on factors 2002 - £136881 2002 - £133247 2003 - above it in 2004 but with a fall in such as the size of the Average house prices 2003 - £164036 2003 - £149935 Land Registry http://www.landreg.gov.uk £151865 2005. Regional house prices property, or particular 2004 - £187495 2004 - £175401 2004 - have, in recent years been areas may be more 2005 - £195496 2005 - £184924 £177065 consistently higher than both desirable and expensive 2006 - £205768 2006 - £199184 2005 - the District and national figures. than others. £184316 2006 - £192047

High average house prices The figure for average continue to cause problems of household incomes is not Can work – can’t buy Local measures of the 2002 - 3.86 affordability. The ratio of known but will be higher ability of working households to become House price to income 2003 - 4.08 2002 - 4.20 2002 - 3.4 average house price to average than average earnings home owners Joseph Rowntree Foundation ratio 2005 - 10 2003 - 4.66 2003 - 4.11 earnings was 9.0 in 2006, thereby resulting in a lower http://www.jrf.org.uk/bookshop/eBooks/1859 2006 - 9 having risen to 10 in the ratio compared to average 350984.pdf previous year. house price.

Gross value added (GVA) on a workplace basis 2001 - 94 2001 - 102 measures the total 2001 - 84 2002 - 94 2002 - 102 economic value added GVA per capita (UK = 2002 - 82 2003 - 94 2003 - 102 produced in a region. This www.statistics.gov.uk 100) 2003 - 82 2004 - 94 2004 - 102 includes value added 2004 - 81 2005 - 94 2005 - 102 produced by those who do not actually live in the region.

The recent Quality of Life Survey (2005) by BMG % of recruiting firms Recruitment difficulties Research showed that 7% of experiencing difficulty in Data gap Data Gap 76% for Great Britain as residents thought that job getting staff a whole. opportunities in the local area had improved compared to 3% who thought it had worsened. South Somerset’s school 2002 - 55.3% 2002 - 53.5% 2002 - 51.5% children show slightly higher % Pupils aged 15 gaining 2003 - 55.3% 2003 - 54.6% 2003 - 52.9% levels of attainment at Key www.fti.neighbourhood.gov.uk 5+ A* to C 2004 - 58.4% 2004 - 54.6% 2004 - 53.7% Stage 3 and at GCSEs than 2005 - 54.1% 2005 - 56.1% 2005 - 56.3% regional and national averages.

2001/2002 - In terms of the working age 14.0% 2001/2002 - 16.5% 2001/2002 - 12.0% population, there was a lower 2002/2003 - 2002/2003 - 15.6% % people aged 16-74 with 2002/2003 - 11.2% than average proportion 12.4% 2003/2004 - 15.1% Nomisweb www.nomisweb.co.uk no qualifications 2003/2004 - 10.7% achieving first degree level but 2003/2004 - 2005 - 14.3% 2005 - 9.9% a higher than nationally average 12.4% (Great Britain) level achieving NVQ level 3. 2005 - 9.6%

2001/2002 - In 2001, the proportion of In 2001 the % of the population 22.6% 2001/2002 - 23.6% working age people (16- 2001/2002 - 24.6% aged 16-74 whose highest Proportion of people 2002/2003 - 2002/2003 - 24.2% 74yrs) with NVQ level 3 2002/2003 - 25.0% qualification was a first degree qualified to degree level 25.8% 2003/2004 - 25.2% (47.2%) was broadly the Nomisweb www.nomisweb.co.uk 2003/2004 - 26.1% or equivalent was 17.2% or higher (aged 16-74) 2003/2004 - 2005 - 26.5% same of the regional rate 2005 - 26.5% compared to 18.8% regionally 28.6% (Great Britain) (47.8%) but higher than and 19.3% nationally. 2005 - 26.7% the national rate of 43.3%.

National target - to improve the 2003 literacy and Proportion of adults with Literacy - 2003 2003 numeracy skills of poor literacy and Department for Education and Skills 12% Literacy - 14% Literacy - 16% 2.25m adults numeracy skills (Entry http://www.dfes.gov.uk Numeracy - Numeracy - 49% Numeracy - 46% between 2001 Level 2 or below) 52% and 2010 with a milestone of 1.5m adults in 2007. Primary 2004/2005 - 0.32 Primary Primary 2005/2006 - 2004/2005 - 0.33 2004/2005 - 0.43 Percentage of 0.47 2005/2006 - 0.36 2005/2006 - 0.46 Department for Education and Skills unauthorised abscences Secondary Secondary Secondary http://www.dfes.gov.uk per school session 2004/2005 - 2004/2005 - 1.03 2004/2005 - 1.23 1.01 2005/2006 - 1.07 2005/2006 - 1.22 2005/2006 - 1.16 (Somerset)

The 2005-06 results flow from housing commitments at 1st April 2005 which showed a high % of housing on recycled land. The results also continue recent trends of high levels of housing on recycled land reflecting the impact National target of of planning policy since PPG3 in more than 60% of 2000 promoting the use of such all new dwellings land for new housing. With 2003-04 - on PDL by 2008. housing commitments at 1st April New homes built on 45% 1989-93 - 40% 1989-93 - 52% However, the 2006 showing similarly high previously developed 2004-05 - 1998-01 - 42% 1996-99 - 51% target for the Performed well against Environment figures this trend is likely to land (%) (South West 63% 2003 - 49% 1998-01 - 57% South West is national target. continue in the short term. target - 50%) 2005-06 - 2004-05 - 54% 2003 - 67% 50% reflecting the However, there continues to be a 73% relatively low shortfall of housing completions availability of PDL against the strategic requirement to in the South 2011 (currently at about 760dw) West. and major urban expansions on greenfield sites, allocated in the Local Plan, will be needed and are likely to start delivering in 2007- 2008. The annual % of new housing on recycled land can be expected to reduce thereafter. Farmland can be broadly Holdings defined as land under 2001 - 2069 Holdings Holdings The average size of holdings cultivation that is tilled at 2003 - 2079 2001 - 40,874 2001 - 165,812 within South Somerset is least once every five years Total Agricultural land Area 2003 - 41,058 2003 - 165,547 smaller than those for the South (Wicks & Cloughley 1998). Defra http://farmstats.defra.gov.uk holdings 2001 - 79,006 Area Area West and Nationally. However, This can include land in ha 2001 - 1,837,180 ha 2001 - 9,296,954 ha the average size of holdings is set-aside, or temporary 2003 - 77,555 2003 - 1,801,559 ha 2003 - 9,177,390 ha decreasing in all areas. grassland (an agricultural ha ley).

South Somerset has parts The landscape of South of three AONBs: Somerset is varied and of high Blackdown Hills AONB; quality. There is also a wealth of Cranborne Chase and AONB - 4,968 wildlife habitats. Large parts of West Wiltshire AONB; Statutory Landscape ha (5.2%) England 2,040 ha; 16% the District’s countryside are Dorset AONB; and 39 South West Observatory State of Designations Data Gap SSSI - 3,390 of total area [2002] protected by national and SSSIs including parts of the South West 2007 (area/%of District) ha (3.5%) international designation, the Somerset Levels and together with a greater number Moors Ramsar Site, and of locally designated wildlife Somerset Levels and sites. Moors Special Protection Area (SPA).

National Nature Reserves: Barrington Hill; Hardington Moor; parts of 3 designated the Somerset Levels and National Moors. Nature Local Nature Reserves: Reserves National/Local Nature Bincombe Beeches, 4 Local Data Gap Data Gap Reserves Crewkerne; Chard Nature Reservoir, Chard; Reserves Eastfield, High Ham; 2 Country Moldrums Ground, Parks Penselwood. Country Parks: Ham Hill; Ninesprings, Yeovil. E & W: 5 million people in 2 million properties face flooding risk [2004] 100,000 properties at Natural Properties at risk from 2005 Data Gap risk from most serious Resources flooding Significant risk - 0.57m floods. Moderate risk - 0.48m Low risk - 1.24m Total at risk - 2.29m

Percentage of land changing to residential use within Flood Risk Grassland floodplain need areas: 8[2000], 9[2001], to be maintained as active Development in the flood 9[2002], http://www.lbp.org.uk/02audit_pdfs/08_flood Data Gap Data Gap flood defence. No plain Percentage of new plain_marsh.rtf development should take dwellings built within place in this floodplain. Flood Risk area- 11[2000], 11[2001], 10[2002]

Monitored river lengths have a baseline assessment called the 2000 River Quality Objectives Biological - 2000 2000 The government (RQO), which is the level 92.18% Biological - 99% Biological - 94% set a target to River length in South Somerset of water quality that a river Chemical - Sustainable development website Chemical - 97% Chemical - 94% increase RQO of good biological quality has should achieve in order to 49.47% http://www.sustainable- 2002 2002 compliance in shown improvement in recent be suitable for its agreed 2002 development.gov.uk/indicators/regional Rivers of Very Good, Biological - ?% Biological - 87% England and years and compares very uses. Generally the Biological - OFWAT Good or Fair chemical Chemical - 97% Chemical - 85% Wales from 82 favourably against the national decrease in water quality 91.54% www.ofwat.gov.uk and biological water 2004 2004 per cent in 1997 average. However, chemical is due to lower river flows, Chemical - Quality of Life in South Somerset 2005 quality Biological - ?% Biological - 70.4% to at least 91 per quality declined mirroring a because of recent dry 56.33% www.southsomerset.gov.uk Chemical - 98% Chemical - 61.5% cent in 2005 (by similar decline nationally albeit summers. The knock on 2004 South West Observatory - State of the 2005 2005 2002, RQO lower than the national effect of this is that Biological - South West 2007 Biological 98.7 ?% Biological - 96.38% compliance stood averages. pollution will be more 92.18% Chemical - 97.09% Chemical - 93.48% at 91.2 per cent). concentrated, however Chemical - each case should be 47.94% looked at individually for conclusive results for any downgrading.

2007 95% of all Favourable - 2007 2007 SSSI's to be in % of SSSIs favourable or 45.72% Favourable - 51.41% Favourable - 44.90% favourable English Nature http://www.english- Compares favourably unfavourable recovering Unfavourable Unfavourable Unfavourable condition or nature.org.uk recovering - recovering - 27.77% recovering - 29.05% recovering by 21.88% 2010 The RSPB received 560 reports of apparent offences in 2003. This is a significantly lower number than in most recent years National trends: Between 1970 – apart from 2001, when and 1999, the woodland Farmland Birds -8% Farmland Birds -5% the country was in the grip % Change in Population species population index Defra Data gap Woodland Birds -8% Woodland Birds -3% of foot and mouth disease. of wild birds 1994-2004 increased in five regions and http://www.defra.gov.uk All species +1% All species +5% However, the number of decreased in three regions incidents involving bird of including the South West. prey persecution and/or poisoning remained virtually unchanged (234 in 2003 compared with 243 in 2002).

Biodiversity Action Plan published June 1998 Biodiversity Action Plan Species published June 1997 Actions Plans Species Actions Plans Extent and condition of prepared - 3 prepared - 12 Biodiversity Strategy for key habitats for which Habitat Action England Rural Development Programme Habitat Action Plans England published BAPs have been Plans http://www.defra.gov.uk prepared October 2002 established prepared Broad Habitats - 8 Broad Priority Habitats - 9 Habitats - 1 Local Habitats - 2 Priority Habitats - 2 Local Habitats - 2

Forestry Commission 2005 2005 http://www.forestry.gov.uk Area of woodland 212,000 ha (9%) 1,121,000 ha (8.6%) South West Observatory - State of the South West 2007 A report by AEA suggests that around one third of the 2001/2002 2001/2002 Average thousands of deaths that Average Yarner Wood - 32 2001/2002 Average occurred during the 2003 Numbers of days of high / Number of days of Somerton - 38 (Rural) Bristol England - 40 (Rural) UK summer heat-wave moderate air pollution higher moderate / high air (Rural) Centre - 19 (Urban) England - 23 (Urban) were attributable to air Uk Air Quality Archive than national average. Air pollution and levels of 2005/2006 2005/2006 Average 2005/2006 Average pollution. There was a www.airquality.co.uk quality a national prioirty - specific pollutants Average Yarner Wood - England - 40 (Rural) photochemical episode of action to monitor required. Somerton - 34 35(Rural) Bristol England - 22 (Urban) air pollution for ozone and (Rural) Centre - n/a (Urban) particulates (PM10) between 1st and 14th August 2003.

Air quality compares Ongoing national targets for CO2 emissions per 2003 - 9 reasonably well against 2004 - 8.9 tonnes 2003 - 10.57 tonnes everyone to consider and aim to Audit Commission Area Profiles capita tonnes national averages and reduce CO2 emissions. targets

Energy generated from 1.7% [1989], Need to encourage 2006 - 3% renewable sources 2.7%[2003] renewable energy. Along with the problems of environmental pollution and resource wastage Energy Efficiency of common to all sectors, Housing Stock (average 2003 - 49.3 2003 - 51.4 poor energy efficiency in SAP rating) homes is one of the primary causes of fuel poverty

2005 The vast majority of private Total empty - empty homes are empty 2072 (4.19%) for very short periods of of which : time as part of the buying 2005 Local Council and selling process, and Total empty - 54572 2005 - 2 necessary for an active (2.80%) of which : Total empty - 680412 of RSL - 185 and healthy housing Local Council - 2039 which : Other public market. It is estimated that Housing and RSL - 2264 Local Council - 48594 Long term Vacant body to facilitate the efficient The Empty Homes Agency Built Other public body RSL - 40613 Properties (MOD/NHS operation of the housing http://www.emptyhomes.com Environment (MOD/NHS etc) - 518 Other public body etc) - 34 market, between two and Private Landlord - (MOD/NHS etc) - 5666 Private three per cent of stock will 53135 Private homes Private Landlord - Landlord - be empty at any one time. empty > 6 months - 585539 1853 It is therefore estimated 22741 Private that about 45% of private homes empty sector empty dwellings are > 6 months - frictional or transactional 1687 vacancies Over-crowding (houses Neighbourhood Statistics with an occupancy rating 2001 - 3.5% 2001 - 5.0% 2001 - 7.1% www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk of -1 or less)

2001 Owned outright 35.5% 2001 2001 With Owned outright 34.1% Owned outright 29.2% mortgage Private ownership is higher in With mortgage 38.4% With mortgage 38.9% 38.6% the District than nationally with What are the local Neighbourhood Statistics Housing Tenure Shared ownership 0.6% Shared ownership 0.7% Shared a converse lower level of public requirements? www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk RSL 13.5% RSL 19.3% ownership control. Other (private rent/rent Other (private rent/rent 0.5% free etc) 13.4% free etc) 12.0% RSL 13.9% Other (private rent/rent free etc) 11.5% The best estimate of the annual need for affordable housing is just over 80,000 (made by Holmans in 2000). About 29,000 RPG 9 figures suggest affordable homes are Enfield Housing Strategy 2005 a national need for being provided with the http://www.enfield.gov.uk affordable housing of assistance of government Mayor of London approximately 67,000 grant, including perhaps http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/housing/ind Additional provision of per annum, leaving a 8,000 which involve S106 ex.jsp Planning gain DV DV Ongoing need. affordable housing national deficit of agreements; perhaps and affordable housing 29,000 homes each 4,000 are coming from http://www.jrf.org.uk/knowledge/findings/hou year, once all sources of planning agreements sing/042.asp http://www.go- output have been taken without any government se.gov.uk/gose/docs/171301/311174/RPG9 into account. subsidy; and a further March2001.pdf 5,000 are anyway affordable through other means. On this basis, less than half of what is required is being provided.

2001 - 1.2% 2001 - 5.1% 2001 - 6.2% The proportion of unfit dwellings 2002 - 3.0% 2002 - 5.0% 2002 - 6.0% Number of unfit is lower than that for the region Neighbourhood Statistics 2003 - 1.2% 2003 - 4.8% 2003 - 5.6% dwellings and nationally and has been www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk 2004 - 1.3% 2004 - 4.1% 2004 - 4.8% relatively steady in recent years. 2005 - 1.3% 2005 - 4.1% 2005 - 4.4% Currently less than 2% of the 180,000 homes built each year reach Percentage of new build New Housing Corporation Standards the Eco-Homes "Very and retrofit homes http://www.housingcorplibrary.org.uk/housin Good" standard. meeting EcoHomes Very gcorp.nsf/AllDocuments/0111FB45088D062 (1098 of 6665 housing Good standard 48025701A0030C004 units assessed were rated very good (2000- 2003))

Of 232 assessments- 147 very good, 70 Percentage of excellent [office commercial buildings Data gap Data Gap buildings 1998-2001], Ongoing targets. meeting BREEAM Very Of 35 assessments- 25 Good standard very good, 4 excellent [office buildings 2002]

South Somerset has a high quality built 13,322 (280,353 ha) 1,530 (44,343 ha) environment with more Conservation Areas 84 (1,367 ha) 1,093,529 households www.eci.ox.ac.uk 95,419 households (est) conservation areas than (est) any other district in the country.

2005 Number of buildings South Somerset has a Grade I - 94 2005 2005 Listed as being of high quality built Grade II* - Grade I - 2226 Grade I - 9126 Ongoing target to reduce the English Heritage http://www.english- Special Architectural or environment with the 260 Grade II* - 5474 Grade II* - 20,973 number of buildings at risk heritage.org.uk Historic Interest and second highest number of At risk - 7 At risk - 160 (2.1%) At risk -1741 (8.3%) those at risk listed buildings. (2%)

2005 - 16 Historic Parks and registered by 2005 - 289 registered 2005 - 1587 registered English Heritage http://www.english-

Gardens English by English Heritage by English Heritage heritage.org.uk Heritage 2003/2004 - 497 of which: 39% Domestic Music 24% Dogs Noise complaints 10% Other received by domestic Environmental Health South Somerset Crime & Drugs Audit 2001- Public concern over 8% Officers1, rates per 2005 Data gap noise Entertainment million population- 3644 http://www.southsomerset.gov.uk/media/pdf/ 7% [1990/91] , 7142 o/j/Chapter_13.pdf Commercial [2000/01], 7670 4% Audible [2001/02] alarms 3% Domestic DIY 5% Miscellaneous

2003/04 - BVPI http://www.bvpi.gov.uk 16.3 2003/04 - 23.2 2003/04 - 23.1 Municipal Waste Management Survey Household waste 2004/05 - 2004/05 - ? 2004/05 - ? 2003/04 arisings (kg/head) 16.5 2005/06 - ? 2005/06 - ? http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/statisti 2005/06 - cs/wastats/mwb0304/wbsummary.htm 15.5

2002/03 - 11% 2003/04 - 2002/03 - 18.6% 2002/03 - 14.5% Municipal Waste Management Survey Recycling of household 15% 2003/04 - 21.4% 2003/04 - 17.8% 2003/04 waste 2004/05 - 2004/05 - 26.6% 2004/05 - 22.5% http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/statisti 32% 2005/06 - 31.4% 2005/06 - 27% cs/wastats/mwb0304/wbsummary.htm 2005/06 - 40% Waste for composting to achieve levels remained the most Percentage of waste of recycling and Even combining recycling and BVPI http://www.bvpi.gov.uk commonly collected arisings: (1) composting in composting figures it does not Municipal Waste Management Survey material for recycling recycled/composted (2) excess of the reach the target figure of 25% 2003/04 with 1.4 million tonnes used to recover heat etc. overall 25% recycling/composting for http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/statisti collected (30 per cent of (3) landfilled target for London London by 2005/6 cs/wastats/mwb0304/wbsummary.htm the total recycling) in in 2005/6. 2003/04.

To increase Transport % rural households > access to post significant decline in PO - 24.2% PO - 15.5% and Spatial 2km from a post Data Gap office / bank for accessibility between 1994 and Countryside Agency Bank - 55.3% Bank - 63.0% Connectivity office/bank no car 1998 households.

To increase significant decline in % rural households > access to food 59.10% 62.90% Data Gap accessibility between 1994 and Countryside Agency 2km from a supermarket shops for no car 1998 households.

New retail floor space in town centres and out of Data Gap Data Gap Data Gap town

Access for disabled Data Gap Data Gap Data Gap Data Gap people Car/van usage in 2001 was higher in South Somerset (61%) compared to regional (59%) and 2001 national (55%) rates. The Underground proportion using public transport metro light rail methods (2%) was lower than Transport and travel or tram = 0% 2001 the regional rate (6%) and patterns reflect the rural , Train Underground metro light markedly lower than the nature of large parts of = 0%, rail or tram = 3.16% , national rate of 15%. Levels of South Somerset and the Bus mini bus Train = 4.23%, walking/cycling to work were lack of public transport or coach = Bus mini bus or coach = 2005 also higher at 17% in the outside the urban areas; 2%, 7.51%, Car or motorcycle - 77% District compared to 15% car/van ownership and Motorcycle Motorcycle scooter or Travel to work (%) Public transport - 5% regionally and 13% nationally. usage is higher than ONS Neighbourhood Statistics scooter or moped = 1.11%, Walking or cycling - In 2001, the proportions of regional and national moped = 2%, Car/van = 61.03%, 18% people working from home rates; the majority of Car/van = taxi = 0.52%, (12%) and travelling short residents travel to work 67%, bicycle = 2.83%, distances – less than 2km – using private transport; taxi = 0%, on foot = 9.99% (27%) were higher than the and there are low rates of bicycle = 4%, Work from home/other = equivalent rates regionally (11% accessibility to sports on foot = 13% 9.62% and 24%) and nationally (9% facilities. Work from and 20%). Conversely, the home/other = proportion of people travelling 12% over 2km (56%) was lower than regional (59%) and national rates (66%).

In 2001, 84% of the households in South Somerset had at least one car or van, compared to % of households with 2001 - 80% 2001 - 84% 2001 = 73% 80% regionally and 73% access to one or more 2002 - 82% ONS Neighbourhood Statistics (Somerset) 2002 - 74% nationally. Average car/van cars 2004 - 84% ownership per household was 1.3, compared to 1.18 nationally.

Opportunities to reduce 2002 2002 The Quality of Life Survey 2005 dependence on the car Motorway 64.7, Motorway 77.8, (BMG Research) results and promote alternatives Average daily motor Major Roads Rural Major Roads Rural showed that 23% of residents will inevitably be focussed http://www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/them vehicle flows (thousand 10.6/Urban 19.7, 13.4/Urban 20.7, surveyed felt that traffic on the urban areas where e_compendia/region_in_figures_winter03/S vehicle miles per day) Minor Roads Minor Roads congestion in their area had there are economies of outh_West.pdf Rural 0.7/Urban 2.2 Rural 1.0/Urban 2.4. worsened compared to 4% who scale and where new All Roads 2.5 All Roads 3.8 felt that it had improved. development continues to be directed.

Access to a GP (Gp's per England 56.4 [2004] 100,000 of population) % of population within 20 minutes travel time of a range of 3 different Travel time: 2006 - sports facilities types of Data gap 2005 - 20.9% urban areas -walk Sport England/Audit Commission 29.72% which one has achieved rural areas - car a quality assurance standard

The proportion of adults (16-74) who do a Broad definition of physical 33.1% by 2009 minimum of 3 sessions 2002 - 30% activity used - includes Data Gap Data Gap (4460 extra Somerset Lifestyle Survey 2002 of moderate or strenuous Baseline sports, recreation and persons) physical activity per lifestyle activity. week

The proportion of adults Broad definition of physical (16-74) who do less than 29.4% by 2009 activity used - includes 1 session of moderate or 2002 - 32.5% Data Gap Data Gap (2260 extra Somerset Lifestyle Survey 2002 sports, recreation and strenuous physical persons) lifestyle activity. activity per week

% Population with access to 2ha+ 3.67% accessible wood within Woodland Trust http://www.woodland- (20.90%) 7.97% (34.14%) 10.18% (21.26%) 500m (% extra with trust.org.uk/ Somerset access if existing woods opened)

% Population with access to 20ha+ 30.06% accessible wood within Woodland Trust http://www.woodland- (45.11%) 59.41% (32.99%) 55.18% (31.87%) 4km (% extra with access trust.org.uk/ Somerset if existing woods opened) Targets for local People with easy authorities in walking distance to England to have green space and green spaces that Ongoing target to ensure countryside [2001] - Access to local green meet the Green quality green space is http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/statisti Data gap Data Gap 84% People that space Flag Award accessible to 100% of the cs/pubatt/download/csv/pa01tb18.csv visit local green space criteria by 2006. Borough. and the countryside that The scheme is is in easy walking managed by the distance - 71% Civic Trust.