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Community Data Profile for Gravesham

GRAVESHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL

AUGUST 2009

[Draft] Page 8

Community Data Profile for Gravesham

CONTENTS

Page Number

Introduction 2-3

1. Location Context 4

2. People and Place 5-11

3. Environment 12-20

4. Transport 21-26

5. Community Involvement and 27-31 Cohesion

6. Community Safety 32-43

7. Education and Lifelong Learning 44-51

8. Health and Social Well-being 52-61

9. Economic Well-being 62-74

10. Housing 75-82

11. Culture and Leisure 83-89

Appendices 90-128

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Community Data Profile for Gravesham

Introduction

This report aims to provide a data profile of the borough of Gravesham and its community. The primary objective is to provide a rounded picture of Gravesham and the report should be used as a tool to provide a context and overview of the borough. The report outlines various conclusions that have been reached based on the research and analysis of key data profiling information that has been collected from a wide range of stakeholders including central and local government, a number of partner organisations and a series of independent bodies.

What is a Data Profile and how can it be used? The Audit Commission states that; “an area profile brings together a number of components to help you map the quality of life and services in your local area.” “An area profile helps you to focus on people and place, and identify priorities that cut across service boundaries. Area profiles are useful to;

• help local public service providers to identify where improvement is most needed locally; • make publicly available a summary of data and information on the quality of life and local services; and • aid government and regulators to concentrate strategically on those areas that most need support.”1

Fig. 1 – What makes up an area profile

1 http://www.areaprofiles.audit- commission.gov.uk/(0ey1dr3z420slher0ziletzs)/StaticPage.aspx?info=25&menu=57

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As can be seen from Fig. 1, an area profile is formulated through a number of components; a ‘synthesis of findings’. These include, inspectorate judgments, voluntary sector contributions and as in the case of this report, a data profile.

This report has therefore been based on the Audit Commissions’ methodology of a data profile 2 and all research has been collated and analysed against the ten quality of life themes. Further details of what is covered within the chosen ten themes can be found at Appendix 1 – Defining Quality of Life.

One of the key statistical tools used within this report is the 2008 Place Survey. This survey provides information on people's perceptions of their local area and the local services they receive. The survey collects information on 18 national indicators used to measure local government performance. Within Gravesham, over 1200 people took part in the survey and these results have been used to enhance the report findings throughout.

The findings from this report will allow Gravesham Borough Council the opportunity to better understand the strategic priorities that are prevalent within the local community and ultimately to establish an evidence base to tailor our corporate and business plans to deliver outcomes to tackle these community issues.

Data profiling as a method is a continuous process as the council seeks to identify any growing trends within the various sectors of the community and therefore the information outlined in this report should be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure the latest and most accurate data is captured for analysis.

2 http://www.areaprofiles.audit- commission.gov.uk/(c3320g45aid2hp55qwvqw3nb)/StaticSequencePage.aspx?info=30&men u=59

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1. Gravesham – Location Context

1.1 Location and area The borough of Gravesham is located on the south bank of the River Thames in the north of Kent approximately 32km (20 miles) east of London. Covering an area of 2 99 km and stretching from the River Thames in the north to the crest of the North Downs in the south, Gravesham’s nearest neighbours are the boroughs of Dartford to the west, Medway to the east and Sevenoaks and Tonbridge and Malling to the south.

1.2 Physical Characteristics Gravesham borough has a striking urban-rural split, primarily divided by the A2 road. The land to the north of the A2 is urban based and is included within the Kent Thameside regeneration project outlined in paragraph 1.3. The rural area to the south of the A2 and to the east of Gravesend, 78% of the whole borough, is virtually all Green Belt land. Much of this land is of significant landscape and biodiversity value with the nationally important landscape of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty located in the south and east of the Borough and the internationally important biodiversity area of the North Kent Marshes located in the north east of the Borough.

Gravesham as a place to live consists of Gravesend (including Milton, Denton and Chalk) and Northfleet, the towns at the heart of the borough and the rural and semi rural villages of Cobham, Higham, Istead Rise, Luddesdown, Meopham (including Harvel and Culverstone), Shorne and Vigo.

1.3 Kent Thameside Regeneration Kent Thameside is the commercial and residential development powerhouse of the government backed Thames Gateway region. It has been identified as a priority area for long-term sustainable economic, social and environmental regeneration. The project focus lies between Dartford’s boundary with Greater London in the west to the North Kent Marshes to the east of Gravesend. Within Gravesham specifically, this will impact on the land to the north of the A2, recognised as being a major growth area with the ability to accommodate significant levels of housing and employment development.

This ambitious cross-boundary programme is backed by substantial financial support from central and local government agencies. The project aspires to deliver 30,000 new homes and 50,000 new jobs (36,000 by 2026 and specifically, up to 10,000 in Gravesham), 12,000 homes of which have already been delivered. The effects of the economic downturn may well impact on the scale/time frame of the project outputs but the intention to deliver new town centres, new cohesive communities and neighbourhoods remains.

Given its importance and scope towards Gravesham’s development, the Kent Thameside project is referred to in parts throughout this report.

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2. People and Place

2.1 Population

2.1.1. Total Population The total population of the borough at the time of the last Census of Population (2001) was 95,717. However, estimates in 2008 suggest the population has continued to increase and now totals 98,000. 34 This represents an estimated increase of 2.39% since 2001 which, over the same period, is far below the average for Kent County Council (KCC) districts (5.78%) and also below the average for England (4.04%) and places Gravesham at 11 th out of 12 in total population sizes across KCC districts.

Alongside immigration which is discussed further at paragraph 2.2.1, the increase in Gravesham’s population, albeit below local and national averages, can be explained by the change in the live birth and death rates for Gravesham. Between 2003-07, Gravesham recorded a year on year average increase in population (birth vs. death rate) of 319 people. 5 Further analysis of the birth and death rates is provided at paragraph 8.2.3.

In regards to changes in population across the various age ranges, Fig. 2 below highlights the changes between the 1991 census and the latest population estimates of 2008. Set out in this format, Fig. 2 reveals some interesting trends. As a general trend Gravesham, although having a younger population than the KCC average, is an ageing population. Based on Fig.2, between 1991 and 2008 every age group above and including the 35 – 44 category has increased in size. None of the age groups below 35 have increased and, in fact, there are evident decreases. To put this into a more specific context, the sharpest percentage increase has been in the numbers of people aged 85+. This group has increased to total 1900 over the period in question, a jump of 72.7%. On a wider and more representative scale, the number of people aged 60+ in the borough has increased by 4000 during the same period, a rise of 22.35%.

Fig. 2 – Population changes between 1991 and 20086

3 Office for National Statistics (ONS). 4 Historically it has been found, by way of census, that these estimates are actually underestimated. 5 Births and Deaths in Kent [Kent County Council 2007] 6 A District Profile for Gravesham Borough [Kent County Council - 2009]

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In regards to gender statistics, Gravesham follows traditional patterns with every age group over the age of 60 having more females than males. Indeed the 85+ bracket has over twice as many females than males. The only other notable statistic is in the school attending age group – ‘upto 15 years old’. Within this group there are over 5% more males (9,300) than females (8,800).

2.1.2 Predicted Population Change to 2026 KCC forecasts suggest Gravesham is set for a sharp rise in population and by 2026 is expected to total 112,500. This prediction, outlined in the South East Plan Strategy-based Forecasts 2008, represents an increase of 15.5% from the estimated 2006 population figure on which the report is based. Gravesham’s predicted rise over this period equates to the fourth largest rise in Kent behind Ashford and Dartford, both significantly identified as ‘growth areas’ by central government, and Maidstone. 7 Indeed Gravesham’s own role in the Kent Thameside regeneration project alongside Dartford can be evidenced through this predicted high growth rate in the next 20 years. Another factor that may contribute to an increased population in Gravesham is the possible future enlargement of the European Union (EU). The recent impact of EU immigration is discussed further at paragraph 2.2.2 of this report however, proposed further enlargement across Turkey and the Western Balkans in the coming years has the potential to impact on Gravesham and the key public services in much the same way the recent EU enlargement has done.

2.1.3 Population Density Of the total population of the borough, an estimated 80% live in the Gravesend/Northfleet urban area and according to DEFRA statistics this urban/rural split is higher than the average across the south east region (70.9%). Indeed, Gravesham has proportionally the fourth highest number of people in urban areas across KCC districts. Logically, a mainly urban-based population is likely to lead to high levels of population density and when researching across KCC’s various wards, it is apparent that Gravesham accounts for four of the top-ten ward areas in regards to population density. 89 Appendix 2 clearly sets out the concept of population density across the borough using Arc-GIS mapping and this method confirms the previously stated urban/rural split.

Within Gravesham, the top five wards for population density in descending order are; Whitehill, Coldharbour, Singlewell, Painters Ash and Central. The five least densely populated wards in the borough are; Shorne, Cobham and Luddesdown (1.18 persons/hectare (p/h)), Higham (2.78p/h), Meopham North (3.90p/h), Meopham South and Vigo (4.43p/h) and Istead Rise (4.68p/h). None of these wards appear in the top 10 list of sparsely populated wards within the KCC area.

2.1.4 Household Composition When analysing the statistics from the 2001 Census, the marital status of Gravesham residents and household composition across urban and rural boundaries highlights some important facts. When considering marital status, 15.85% of the single population across Gravesham lives in rural areas, compared against the figure for married residents which total 23.96%. This difference logically may be accounted for by the issues of affordable rural housing.

7 South East Plan Strategy-based Forecasts [Kent County Council Nov 08] 8 2007 Ward Level Population Estimates [Kent County Council - March 2009] 9 Data for ward level population density for 2008 yet to be released following release of 2008 population estimates.

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This theory is further emphasised when reviewing the number of households by composition. Within rural Gravesham, the majority of home owners are classed as a ‘married couple family’ which total 49.8% of the rural population. Only 5.15% of the rural population are classed as a ‘lone parent family’. Equally, Gravesham has a top- heavy number of ‘lone parent family’ dwellers in urban areas – 88.5% of this section of the community live in urban areas compared with 75.6% of the ‘married couple family’ category.

In order to provide a complete picture, Fig 3 highlights the percentage of each household category across urban and rural Gravesham.

Fig.3 Percentage of household groups living in Gravesham 10

2.2. Immigration

2.2.1 Total Immigrants One of the key changes across the Kent population since the early 1990s has been the increased figures of net migration (international and domestic) i.e. more people entering and living in the county than leaving. During the time of the 1991 Census, there was a net migration total of over 2,000 people leaving Kent between 1991- 1992. 11 However, since 1993-94 this trend has reversed and this is strongly apparent in Gravesham especially in the last five years where an influx of migrants has been prevalent.

One way to account for the number of migrants is to analyse those nationals from outside of the UK who are allocated a National Insurance Number (NINO) for the purposes of working or benefit claims etc. With that in mind, from 2002-03 until 2004- 05 there was a steady influx of NINO applicants into Gravesham averaging at 440 per year. However, from 2005-06 until 2007-08, this number increased significantly as Gravesham averaged 1,013 migrant NINO applications per year, nearly 300 more than near neighbour Dartford. 12

10 Other persons family inc : with 1 dependent child, with 2+ dependent children, all student, all pensioner, other. Lone parent family inc : one, two or more children and all children non-dependent. Co-habiting couple family inc : none, one, two or more children and all children non-dependent. Married couple family inc : none, one, two or more children and all children non-dependent. One person household inc : pensioner and other. 11 International migrants in Kent 2008 [Kent County Council - 2008] 12 Migrant workers in Kent 2002-03 to 2007-08 [Kent County Council - 2008]

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This sharp rise is not confined to Gravesham, though during 2007-08 Gravesham accounted for the fourth largest total number of migrants across KCC districts only slightly behind Canterbury and Maidstone, which have much larger populations, and near neighbours Swale. 13

NINO applications can’t however be considered as a ‘net average’ for immigration as they don’t calculate the wider impact of international migrants who might be returning home or conversely, those whose dependents have joined them in the UK. Therefore for a broader context on the effect of immigration within the borough, it is worth noting that between 2001/02 and 2006/07, Gravesham saw an actual net average of international migrants of 300 per year. 14

Within Gravesham, the impact of net international migrants has been somewhat offset by the negative trend of internal migrants i.e. those UK residents who move to the borough. Between 2001/02 and 2006/07, Gravesham saw an annual average net decrease of -250 internal migrants and therefore during this period, more UK residents left Gravesham than those who moved to the borough. 15

2.2.2 Factors of immigration Within the KCC area, the general rise in immigration can mainly be explained through the enlargement of the European Union (EU) on 1 May 2004 and therefore the freedom of foreign nationals from countries such as Poland, Latvia and Lithuania to enter the UK in search of work without the need of a visa or permit (prior to May 2004, Poland, Latvia and Lithuania were never previously recorded in the top ten of countries from which people entered Kent to work). Interestingly, of Gravesham’s 1,120 migrant workers registered in 2007-08, 730 were from EU Accession countries – at 65% of Gravesham’s immigrant total, this represents the second highest percentage across KCC districts.

As a result of this rise, against other KCC districts Gravesham now has proportionally the joint highest number of working migrants across the overall working population of the borough at 1.8%. It remains to be seen the exact impact the economic downturn and related issues will have in regards to inward immigration to Gravesham though it is likely the recent trend will reverse to some extent.16

2.3 Diversity

2.3.1 Ethnicity Based on the mid-2007 ethnic-population estimates for the Office for National Statistics (ONS) 17 , Gravesham borough had both the largest total number and the highest percentage of residents who were of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) origin across the various KCC districts (by definition ‘Other White’ is excluded from the BME count. However, this category accounts for Eastern European residents along with other non-UK born residents who are of white origin.)

13 Based on a range of socio-economic variables, the Audit Commission has identified Swale as the only Kent district in a top-ten ‘nearest neighbour’ to Gravesham list for 2009. 14 International migrants in Kent 2008 [Kent County Council - 2008] 15 International migrants in Kent 2008 [Kent County Council - 2008] 16 http://www.workpermit.com/news/2009-08-28/uk/uk-immigration-and-asylum-latest-statistics.htm 17 2008 figures ethnic population estimates are yet to be released as at Aug 2009.

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The statistics show that in 2007, 12,600 residents within Gravesham were of BME origin which is a clear 1,100 ahead of Canterbury and 3,900 ahead of Dartford who have the second and third highest BME totals across the KCC area. As a collective total, Dartford and Gravesham account for 24.29% of the county’s BME population. Gravesham’s BME total amounts to 12.9% of all residents in the borough which is double the equivalent percentage of every KCC district bar Dartford (9.6%) and Canterbury (8.5%) proportionally the second and third highest areas respectively.

When analysing the different ethnic groups within Gravesham, it is evident that people classed as White British represent the highest ethnic group with 83.7% of the total population. People of Indian origin represent the largest single BME group in the Gravesham community. In 2007 there were 6,900 people of Indian origin living in Gravesham which represented 7.1% of the total population, by some distance the main contributor to the 12.9% BME origin total within the borough.

Fig. 4 overleaf outlines in more detail the review of ethnic groups in terms of numbers. The chart does not however include people classed as White British or Indian origin, the two largest ethnic groups in Gravesham, as the numbers are so in advance of the remaining groups. In addition there is a total of 3,800 people classed as ‘other’ (Other White – 2,300, Other Mixed - 300, Other Asian - 600, Other Black - 100, Other - 500) that are not accounted for on the chart;

Fig.4 Gravesham ethnic groups (excluding White British and Indian groups)

Gravesham Ethnic Groups

Chinese Black African Black Caribbean Bangladeshi Pakistani Total Mixed White and Asian Ethnic Group Ethnic Mixed White and Black African Mixed White and Black Caribbean White - Irish

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 Total Population

2.3.2 Religion Gravesham has a diverse religious make-up with a large variety of faiths represented. According to the 2001 Census, 72.3% of people in Gravesham classed themselves as Christian, the largest faith group. This total is slightly behind the south east average but higher than the average across England. The second largest faith group are those who class themselves as having ‘no religion’ which at 12% is below both the south east and England averages. In addition, Gravesham’s large Indian ethnic group contribute 6.66 percent of the total numbers through the Sikh faith which is far in advance of the south east and England averages. Gravesham has very small Muslim and Jewish communities which at 0.8% and 0.06% respectively, are both significantly below their equivalent rates across the south east and England. 18

18 In response to concerns from Parliament about civil liberties, it was agreed that the question of religion would be voluntary in the 2001 Census.

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2.4 Workforce

2.4.1 Travel to work According to the 2001 Census, the majority of Gravesham residents work in Gravesham and travel to work by car/van. With 24,877 of the total workforce travelling by car/van, the next highest modes of transport are bus/coach with 3,641 users (which includes a number of London commuters who are serviced in both the urban and rural areas at peak times destined for Central London via Docklands) and those who work from home (3,617). In regards to rail commuting, Gravesham has 3,454 people travelling daily which proportionately (7.85% of the entire workforce) is the fifth highest across KCC districts behind the other west Kent boroughs of Sevenoaks, Dartford, Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge and Malling respectively.

These figures seem to suggest that overall Gravesham is a locally working community centred upon the main urban areas of the region whilst there are also considerable movements of people along the London fringe. 19

A review of the workplace destination of Gravesham residents emphasises this point. Of the entire working population living in Gravesham, 48.8% work within Gravesham. The second most prominent workplace destination for Gravesham residents is Greater London with 23.46% of people commuting each day. This figure is considerably less than near neighbours Dartford who have 40% of residents commuting to Greater London each day. This naturally reflects Dartford’s closer geographic proximity to London. Other key work destinations for Gravesham residents are Dartford (16%), Sevenoaks (2.4%) and Tunbridge and Malling (2.3%).

2.4.2 Working in Gravesham In regards to those people who work in Gravesham (29,475), the largest volume of people, excluding Gravesham residents who make up 69.4% of the workforce, are those who commute from Medway (10%). Other significant numbers of residents commute into Gravesham from Dartford (6.3%) and Greater London (4.1%). When comparing these statistics to near neighbours Dartford, it is apparent that Dartford has a proportionally lower number of its own residents working in the borough (41%). Again this reflects the close proximity to Greater London with larger numbers of people commuting both from and to Dartford from Greater London on a daily basis.

Interestingly, when reviewing total workforce populations, Gravesham has a significantly smaller overall workforce working in the borough on a day to day basis (29,475) in comparison to other KCC districts. Near neighbours Dartford, despite having a smaller total population, have 63% more people working in the borough (46,681).

19 LDF: Economy Baseline Report [Gravesham Borough Council - 2009]

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Conclusion / Key Themes :

• Gravesham has an ageing population despite the high percentage of migration statistics. This may well be challenged by the expansion of the ‘growth area’ status. • There is a predicted large growth rate in population until 2026. • Across KCC districts, Gravesham has the largest percentage of working migrants across the overall working population – 1.8%. • In the long term, the population increase will place increased strain on all aspects of the Borough’s infrastructure as will the ageing nature of the population in the short term. • Gravesham has four of KCC districts’ top 10 densely populated ward areas which may have the potential to affect long term health.20 • Gravesham is a diverse community with high percentage of Sikhs in the borough. • Gravesham has a top-heavy number of ‘lone parent family’ dwellers in urban areas – 88.5% of this section of the community live in urban areas, whereas only 5.15% of the rural population are classed as a ‘lone parent family’. • Married couple families total 49.8% of the rural population.

20 http://www.nhs.uk/news/2008/11November/Pages/Parksandhealth.aspx

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3. Environment

3.1 Air Quality

3.1.1 Air Quality Monitoring In 2008 the Council lobbied both the Highways Agency to realign the A2 Trunk Roadway from residential areas and the Environment Agency to close one of the major industrial sources of Particulate Matter (PM10) in Northfleet. Both of these significant actions were achieved in 2008 and are likely to result in a significant improvement in Air Quality at many of the residential properties in the Air Quality Management Area.

It is predicted however that some homes will remain in areas of poor air quality where houses remain close to the kerbside. The council therefore intends to continue to lobby the Highways Agency to implement a traffic management scheme which includes variable speed limits at peak times which are useful to control the flow to keep the traffic moving and thus reduce exhaust emissions.

Another significant achievement towards the improvement in air quality in the borough is the closure in December 2008 of one of the main sources of PM10; the Northfleet cement works. The improvement is not likely to be seen immediately as the demolition of the site, regulated by the Environment Agency, will continue until the end of 2010 which may also be a source of fugitive dust. The works will be partially replaced by the new state of the art cement import terminal, which commenced operation in January 2008.

In the rest of the borough the levels of Nitrogen dioxide and Particulate Matter have remained fairly constant. Since 2001 there has been a fall in Sulphur dioxide levels (SO2), both nationally and in Gravesham, which corresponds to improvements in technology with regards to coal burning in power stations and a reduction in coal burning in homes. Improvements in vehicle engine technology have significantly reduced the amount of lead and sulphur dioxide pollution from cars and lorries as have improvements in vehicle fuels i.e. unleaded and lower sulphur petrol.

3.1.2 Carbon Dioxide Emissions 2 When reviewing Carbon Dioxide (CO ) emissions at the KCC district level during 2006, on average Gravesham residents produced 19.31 tonnes each. However, when looking at the statistics in more detail it is apparent the vast majority of this (78.36%) was produced in the industrial and commercial sector. Within this particular 2 sector, Gravesham contributed 1,474kt of CO emissions which equates to 23.6% of the KCC area, easily the largest contributor with Tonbridge and Malling (17.42%) and near neighbours Swale (17.4%), the second and third highest contributors respectively.

Interestingly, when solely analysing the domestic market, Gravesham has the lowest 2 level of CO emissions across the KCC area with an average of 2.27 tonnes per person, slightly lower than Dartford and Swale. This figure is below both the KCC area average of 2.46 tonnes per person and considerably below the south east and England averages of 2.55 and 2.54 tonnes per person respectively. Based on data supplied by the National Environmental Technology Centre, it is clear 2 that Gravesham’s average domestic CO emissions have fallen since 2003’s figure of 2.498 tonnes per person.

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2 Similarly when looking at road transport CO emissions, Gravesham has the second lowest figure of 186kt which equates to only 4.91% of the Kent total slightly higher than Thanet’s figure of 158kt. This figure is considerably lower than near neighbour 2 Dartford’s figure of 351kt of CO emissions though this could potentially be explained by the volume of road transport using the Dartford Bridge, Ebbsfleet International Station and Bluewater facilities.

3.2 Drinking Water Quality

3.2.1 Overview Southern Water is the public water supply undertaker for most of the Borough. Ebbsfleet is supplied by both Thames Water and Southern Water. In addition, South East Water supplies two small rural areas within Gravesham District around Longfield Hill. The source of water before treatment varies across the borough and other external locations. Water is pumped from sources including; underground sources in the chalk at Hazells, Higham, Strood, Cuxton and Fawkham, from both the greensand and chalk at Luddesdown and Northfleet, and from the River Medway. Gravesham has water quality rates of over 99% based on the findings of the Drinking Water Inspectorate in 2007.21

3.2.2 Waste Water Treatment There are two operating sewage treatment works within Gravesham Borough – Gravesend and Northfleet sewage treatment works which are owned and operated by Southern Water. In addition, Whitewall Creek sewage treatment works (Southern Water) serves some of Gravesham. Long Reach, operated by Thames Water, is located within Dartford Borough. Gravesend, Northfleet and Long Reach sewage treatment works operate activated sludge treatment, while Whitewall Creek operates percolating filters. Discharges from these sewage treatment works are regulated by discharge consents set by the Environment Agency. These detail the effluent flow and quality standards that are required to help meet water quality targets in the receiving water, as well as to minimise any adverse effects of pollution from spills / overflows of untreated sewage following heavy rainfall.

3.3 Flood Management

3.3.1 Flood Threat Gravesham’s position within the Thames Estuary means that the potential for flooding is a constant threat and this risk is managed by a variety of agencies. The Thames Estuary is particularly vulnerable to flooding for a number of reasons. In the longer term, the south-eastern corner of the British Isles is slowly tilting downwards and sea levels are rising. As a result, the high tide in central London is rising at a possible rate of 75cm per century.

21 Thames Region Drinking Water 2007 [Drinking Water Inspectorate - 2008]

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A more immediate threat comes when “an area of low pressure, perhaps hundreds of miles across, moves eastwards across the Atlantic towards the British Isles, it raises the level of seawater beneath it by up to a third of a metre. If this 'plateau' of sea water passes north of Scotland and then down into the shallow basin of the North Sea, perhaps further heightened by strong winds from the north, it can cause excessively high surge tides in the Thames Estuary of up to four metres leading towards London. When a surge tide also coincides with a spring tide (which occur twice monthly), flooding would be a serious possibility.”22

3.3.2 Flood Response In response to the threat of flooding from the River Thames, the Environment Agency devised the Thames Estuary 2100 project (TE2100) which was established in 2002. Its primary aim is to develop a long-term tidal flood risk management plan for London and the Thames estuary. The project covers the Tidal Thames from Teddington in West London, through Gravesham and onto Sheerness and Shoeburyness in Kent and Essex.

Within Gravesham specifically, the Environment Agency is the relevant operating authority for flood defences on designated ‘main rivers’. Outside of these, there are ordinary watercourses for which Gravesham Borough Council is the relevant operating authority. These are all of the watercourses in the Council's area except the River Thames, (between Broadness, Northfleet, and Higham Marshes) and the River Ebbsfleet (between Springhead and the River Thames). The watercourses concerned are the drainage ditch in Lower Higham Road, Gravesend, the drainage ditch adjacent to Higham railway station and the drainage ditch north of Farley Road, Gravesend, in Northcourt Marsh. There is no internal drainage board operating within Gravesham.

Gravesham Borough Council’s Flood Defence Policy Statement makes clear that; “the main means by which flood risks will be managed is through the Environment Agency's flood warning dissemination plan of 01 August 2000. This makes arrangements for warnings to be provided for the River Thames, Coastal Zone 1, within this Council's area, including individual warnings to high-risk properties. Gravesham Borough Council has included plans for responding to both major and minor flooding in its emergency planning procedures and has arrangements for the Council's Flood Defence Officer (or deputising staff) to disseminate flood warnings to each frontage with a flood gate in the Thames Tidal Flood Wall and to ensure that all the gates are closed in event of threatened inundation.”23

Within the Environment Agency’s area of responsibility, there are approximately 2,500 properties, an estimated 6% of the borough’s homes, at risk from flooding in Gravesham. However, as of April 2008 only 20% of households (approximately 500 homes) are registered to receive warnings from the Environment Agency's Flood Warnings Direct service. 24

Despite this, the results of the 2008 Place Survey identified Gravesham as one of the top 25% of authorities across the country in ensuring people are informed about what to do in the event of a large scale emergency with 18.3% positive responses.

22 http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/38351.aspx 23 http://www.gravesham.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=503 24 http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news/57807.aspx?page=5&month=4&year=2008

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3.4 Natural Environment and Biodiversity

3.4.1 Landscape and Biodiversity The countryside in Gravesham comprises attractive and valuable landscapes including parts of the nationally important Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) for which there is an approved Management Plan and important wildlife habitats. This backdrop includes Cobham Wood a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Cobham Wood features veteran trees and decaying wood habitats that support a wide range of insect species and fungi, placing this wood among the top 20 in the country. The 165 acres of Cobham Wood within the Park boundary have had a turbulent history during the later 20 th century and in the 1990’s were in the hands of the Official Receiver, a situation which resulted in a lack of maintenance and management of the SSSI. The wood is now owned by Gravesham Borough Council and managed by CAMS which is working restore the SSSI to a favourable condition. 25

Gravesham Borough has a significant biodiversity resource which includes:

• A Special Protection Area • A Special Area of Conservation • A Ramsar Site • 5 Sites of Special Scientific Interest • 16 Local Wildlife Sites (SNCI)

The Borough also contains species protected by legislation, and priority habitats and species identified in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

3.4.2 Land Contamination The council holds information on the various contaminated land sites which have been collected across a variety of sources. Under the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the council introduced the Contaminated Land Strategy in 2001 (revised in July 2009) which aims to set out exactly how areas of land which merit individual inspection will be identified.

Gravesham has a long industrial background with the majority of activity concentrated within the present urban and riverside area to the north of the A2 trunk road. However, a notable exception to this pattern is exhibited by Hoo junction, to the eastern side of the borough, which represents an outlying concentration of industrial activity within a predominately rural setting. Other small scale industrial activity has been located within both the urban and rural areas of the borough.

The legacy of this activity is varied. In some instances, the impact has been minimal due to the nature of the processes undertaken. In others, major alterations in landform have taken place, with the resulting excavations being used for landfill purposes, for subsequent industrial occupation, or left largely derelict. 26

25 http://www.gravesham.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=589 26 http://www.gravesham.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=805

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3.5 Built Environments

3.5.1 Overview Within Gravesham t he built environment is of high quality. Currently there are;

• 9 Scheduled Monuments • 23 Conservation Areas • 305 Listed Buildings • 2 Historic Parks and Gardens.

This information is plotted across in and immediately around the borough using Arc- GIS mapping – see Appendix 3.

3.6 Waste Management

3.6.1 Waste Collection Gravesham Borough Council is the domestic waste collection authority for the area. It provides a weekly domestic waste collection service. Black plastic bags are used for general waste and clear plastic bags are used for the collection of recyclable paper, cardboard, plastics and aluminium. Garden waste can be collected with the black bag collection but must have a green garden ticket (available to purchase from the Council offices and various newsagents) on the bag. The Council also provides a special collection service for domestic clinical waste using yellow bags and a special service for the collection of needles in sharps boxes. 27

The Council provides a service for collecting bulky household items such as furniture and there is a charge for this. The service needs to be booked in advance.

When reviewing the 2008 Place Survey results for satisfaction levels within the borough, Gravesham scores favourably as results indicate 86.5% of people are ‘very or fairly’ satisfied with refuse collection services in the borough. Gravesham’s score is the second highest across KCC districts slightly behind Sevenoaks (90%) and ahead of near neighbours Dartford (85.7%) and Swale (75.8%).

3.6.2 Recycling in KCC Gravesham’s recycling/composting rate of 27% for 2007-08 saw the council with the fifth highest rate across the KCC districts, slightly ahead of near neighbours Dartford but slightly behind Swale. Projections for 2008-09 suggest Gravesham’s recycling/composting rate will fall back slightly to 24%.28 (At the time of writing, the 2008-09 figures across KCC districts are still to be confirmed).

3.6.3 Recycling across Gravesham Waste management and recycling is a priority for the Council and contributes to the council’s vision of creating a safe, clean and green place of choice.

The amount of household waste produced in the borough which has subsequently been sent for recycling has grown considerably over the last few years. In 2003-04 Gravesham produced 6280.05 tonnes which was sent by the council for recycling and this has increased by 43.6% to reach 9018.53 tonnes in 2008-09.

27 http://www.gravesham.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=1033 28 http://www.kent.gov.uk/environment/recycling-rubbish-and-waste/managing-waste/facts-and- figures.htm

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 16 [August 2009] Page 24

Fig. 5 outlines the year on year growth in the volume of waste sent for recycling in Gravesham.

Fig. 5 Volume of waste sent for recycling in Gravesham

Since October 2002, recycling rates across the borough have more than doubled. One of the main contributory factors has been the introduction of the council’s ‘clear bag kerbside recycling scheme’. The clear bag scheme makes it easy for residents to recycle with the minimum of effort and the scheme includes household waste such as; cans, tins, paper, card and plastics. These bags are then subsequently picked up by the council’s collection teams.

In 2008, Kent's first undercover recycling centre, managed by Waste Recycling Group Ltd on behalf of Kent County Council, was opened just outside the borough to serve the residents of Gravesham. The Pepperhill Household Recycling Centre accepts a vast array of waste from garden waste through to car batteries and aims to recycle 70% of waste from residents. This facility should go some way to increasing the levels of domestic recycling over the coming years.

Outside of the Pepperhill facility, Gravesham has 17 recycling sites all over the borough that can take a range of waste. 29 There are; • 15 sites for recycling glass • 10 sites for recycling paper • 11 sites for recycling cans • 13 sites for recycling textiles • 11 sites for recycling shoes

Appendix 4 plots these recycling facilities using Arc-GIS mapping.30

As a result of the recycling facilities and education programmes that have been delivered within the borough, Gravesham is currently delivering lower levels of general waste than the agreed target set for the council. As part of its responsibilities under the regional Local Area Agreement 31 , Gravesham Borough Council was set the target of reducing the amount of residual waste entering the waste stream that is not recycled or composted. During August 2009, residual household waste per head in the borough totalled 604kg; the target set for the council is 704kg.

29 http://www.gravesham.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=588 30 The locations of these sites are approximate and based on post code data. 31 http://www.kentpartnership.org.uk/kent-agreement-2.asp

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 17 [August 2009] Page 25

3.7 Energy Management

3.7.1 Energy Consumption Based on figures supplied by the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC), when reviewing total energy consumption in 2006 across KCC districts, it is apparent that Gravesham’s industrial sector plays a strong part in Gravesham’s ranking as the second highest district consumer of total energy. Gravesham’s energy consumption total of 3,993.4GWh is behind the leading consumer Swale’s total of 4,471.5GWh and significantly ahead of Dartford’s total of 3,057.5GWh.

However, these results are far more revealing when broken down across the respective industrial/commercial, transport and domestic sectors. In 2006, Gravesham’s industrial/commercial sector accounted for 61.35% of the borough’s overall total energy consumption with 2,450.2GWh. This is the highest ratio of total energy consumption across the KCC areas and is also easily the largest total figure in the industrial/commercial sector across all KCC districts ahead of Swale (2,094.6GWh) and over twice as high as third placed Tonbridge and Malling (1,080.9GWh).

In regards to petroleum products consumed through transport, Gravesham is placed 10 th across KCC districts with 703.4GWh which is far behind near neighbours Dartford whose figure of 1,313.8GWh is the fifth highest despite having the smallest population. 32

When considering the domestic market, Gravesham’s position is 11 th across the twelve KCC districts for overall sales and this logically is accounted for by Gravesham having the 11 th highest population figures as discussed in paragraph 2.1.1 of this report. When reviewing these figures more closely across the domestic Gas and Electricity markets, Gravesham is proportionally a higher user of these resources across KCC districts than its total sales position suggests.

Based on the DECC statistics for 2007, the overall domestic gas sales for Gravesham of 627.4GWh reflects the borough’s population position of 11 th across the KCC area. However, proportionally, sales per consumer show Gravesham is 6 th across KCC districts.33 Similarly, when reviewing the domestic electricity market for 2007, Gravesham again has the eleventh highest sales (177.8GWh) reflecting the population figures, but proportionally has the ninth highest sales per domestic consumer. 34 These results are even more interesting when considering the context of Gravesham having a leading energy efficiency rating across private housing stock (see paragraph 3.7.3).

32 Total Energy Consumption at a Regional and Local Authority Level 2006 [Department for Energy and Climate Change 2009] 33 Gas Sales and Numbers of Customers by Region and Local Authority 2007 [Department for Energy and Climate Change 2009] 34 Regional and Local Authority Electricity Consumption Statistics 2007 [Department for Energy and Climate Change 2008]

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 18 [August 2009] Page 26

3.7.2 Renewable Energy Across Kent, statistics show that as at June 2007, 41.43MWe of renewable electricity is being produced. 35 The vast majority of this known figure is derived from co-firing which is carried out through a process of generating electricity from a mixture of biomass and fossil fuels. The statistics also show that 1.54MWth of renewable heat is being produced with Biomass the largest contributor to this total (1.34MWth).

There are currently no figures available for any renewable energy projects within Gravesham. However, Phase 1 of the Kent Thameside Eco Assessment has just been completed and this may well have an impact on possible future projects in the borough.

3.7.3 Energy Efficiency Based on figures as of 1 April 2008, Gravesham has the highest average SAP rating for private sector homes across KCC districts with a score of 57. A SAP rating is the Standard Assessment Procedure, also known as ‘Energy ratings’, and is rated between 0-100 with 100 being highly efficient. The England average score is 45. 36

Fig. 6 below charts the progress KCC districts have made since 2004. The table outlines that Gravesham is slightly ahead of near neighbours Dartford (55) and considerably further ahead of Swale (48).

Interestingly, fewer than five per cent of homes in Gravesham have a SAP rating of below 20 but almost twenty per cent private of rented accommodation has a SAP rating below 20. 37

Fig. 6 Average KCC district SAP rating for private housing 2004-2008

When considering homes administered by Gravesham Borough Council, the 2008 SAP rating figure of 72 saw Gravesham ranked as the third highest across KCC districts.

35 This figure excludes figures for landfill gas and offshore Wind projects – http://www.see-stats.org/stats-kent.htm 36 CO2 Emissions and Energy Conservation [Kent County Council - 2009] 37 LDF: Housing Baseline Report [Gravesham Borough Council - July 2009]

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 19 [August 2009] Page 27

Conclusion / Key Themes :

2 • Gravesham has the lowest level of domestic CO emissions across the KCC area. 2 • Gravesham industry is the largest single contributor of CO emissions across the KCC area. • Water quality ratings within the borough are over 99%. • Within the Environment Agency’s area of responsibility in the borough, there are approximately 2,500 properties at risk from flooding - only 20% of households are registered to receive warnings. • The volume of rubbish sent for recycling between 2003-04 to 2008-09 increased by 43.6%. • As at August 2009 residual household waste per head produced in the borough, that is not recycled or composted, totalled 604kg; the regionally agreed target set for Gravesham Borough Council is 704kg. • Alongside the Pepperhill facility which is located just outside the borough, Gravesham has 17 recycling sites all over the borough. • Gravesham is the second highest district consumer of overall energy across the KCC area. • Gravesham also has the largest energy consumption in the industrial/commercial sector across KCC districts. • Proportionally gas sales per consumer show Gravesham is 6 th largest user across KCC districts. • Gravesham has the highest average SAP rating for private sector homes across KCC districts. • Homes in the public sector that are provided by Gravesham Borough Council, have a SAP rating figure of 72 in 2008, the third highest rating across the KCC districts.

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 20 [August 2009] Page 28

4. Transport

4.1 Transport Infrastructure

4.1.1 River Services The River Thames is a major communications corridor in its own right with extensive commercial traffic to Tilbury and numerous wharves, including some in Gravesham. Passenger ferries run regularly between Gravesend and Tilbury with onward bus connections to Tilbury Town Railway Station.

4.1.2 Local and Regional Road Network The North Kent part of Thames Gateway is linear in nature. Currently, the dominant road transport corridor, the M2/A2, is heavily congested and likely to become more so as traffic to and from the Continent increases. Relatively poor journey times to and across London mean the capital has a blocking effect on the area. Successful regeneration of North Kent will therefore hinge on improved connections to, across, and around London by road. Whilst the road network has been improved to some extent in recent years, further investment is needed to facilitate strategic movement to and from the area. Without this investment, the public transport improvements planned will not alone cater for the scale of the demand for travel that will be generated. Improvements to the A2/A282 (M25) interchange at Dartford and the widening of the M2/A2 to four lanes from the M25 to Cobham will reduce delays and improve access from the national road network.

The road network within Gravesham is operated by a number of partners. The main A2 trunk road is managed by the Highways Agency. KCC, as the local transport authority, is responsible for the management of the rest of the local road network. Nationally, growth in overall traffic has been in the order of 1.5% per year. Internationally, flows of lorries and trailers to the cross channel routes has been growing 8-9% per year, indicating the importance of the A2/M2 and M20 corridors for international travel. The A2 is also an important access route for the communities further east in Medway, Swale, Canterbury and Thanet. The A2 Trunk Road runs east-west through the borough, forming the urban edge for much of its length. It connects London and the M25, five miles to the west, with mid and east Kent, including Dover and the Channel Tunnel. To the east it connects with the M2 which has been widened. Following the widening of the A2 to (mostly) four lanes and the M25 upgrade there are unlikely to be any significant enhancements in overall highway capacity other than access to and within major new sites.

The road network carries a significant volume of traffic (over 100,000 cars per day on the A2), and development will inevitably increase this. A balance has to be struck with the public transport system to ensure an overall transport system that works to best advantage. The operation of the network away from Gravesham (e.g. through and around London) is critical to the overall attractiveness of the area, which has to be placed in the context of congestion levels across the south east as a whole.

Given the transport and highway networks within the borough, Gravesend is the most accessible location.

4.1.3 Car Parking Gravesham Borough Council takes responsibility throughout the borough for the enforcement of parking on the streets and in the council owned car parks. The free flow of traffic helps road safety and the local economy and improves the environment of residential areas.

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 21 [August 2009] Page 29

In responding to residents’ requests, the council is seeking to improve traffic conditions in the borough and therefore make it a better, easier and safer place to visit friends, shop and to sightsee. 38

The council currently operates several different parking schemes throughout the borough of Gravesham;

• Residential parking schemes • The Hill • Meopham controlled parking zone • Higham controlled parking zone • Northfleet controlled parking zone • Sole Street controlled parking zone • St James’s Street controlled parking zone • Wingfield Road controlled parking zone

A controlled parking zone is also proposed for areas around Gravesend town centre.

The Borough Council runs a number of car parks in and around Gravesend town centre for commuters, workers and shoppers. It provides 1,508 spaces compared with 2,134 from the private sector. Most users come from within the Borough or the immediate adjoining area, and over 50% come to go shopping (ref Gravesend Parking Surveys, Jacobs July 2009).

Within the private sector, provision is made for “public” spaces so that customers of particular stores (e.g. the superstores) can use their facilities quickly and easily. Some car parks, such those at town centre shopping centres, serve a wider function. These are normally regulated by price (short stay to maximise turnover of spaces) or some other mechanism to ensure that the facilities are only used for the intended function. “Free” car parks may be so at the point of use, but the costs of building, managing and maintaining those facilities are recovered through the prices charged in the retail stores or other businesses. Provision at the place of work varies from employer to employer and the layout of the premises concerned. Some industrial estates, e.g. Springhead, illustrate the problems that can arise when insufficient provision is made.

The Council is addressing the possible parking impacts of the introduction of High Speed 1 Domestic services where Gravesend may be seen as a cheaper place to park than Ebbsfleet.

4.1.4 Rail Network The rail infrastructure in the borough is managed by Network Rail and HS1 Ltd, with actual train services provided by Southeastern and Eurostar. Three rail lines cross the borough; the North Kent line through Gravesend connecting Central and South East London to the Medway Towns, the Chatham – London Victoria line linking through to East Kent, and HS1 (formerly called the Channel Tunnel Rail Link) which follows the A2/M2 creating a high speed transport link to Central London.

38 http://www.gravesham.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=294

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 22 [August 2009] Page 30

In November 2007, Ebbsfleet International Station opened 39 , providing direct Eurostar train services from Ebbsfleet to Paris, Brussels and Lille. 40 In June 2009, a preview of domestic train services from Ebbsfleet began.41 This involves the provision of 5 morning peak services from Ebbsfleet to St Pancras International and 6 services back in the evening peak. Throughout the day, services run twice hourly between Ebbsfleet and St Pancras International. In December 2009, full domestic train services from Ebbsfleet are due to begin. 42 This will give twice hourly services from Gravesend to St Pancras in 24 minutes and four times an hour from Ebbsfleet, in 17 minutes. Peak hour patterns provide more services.

4.1.5 Bus Network In Gravesham most bus services are provided by Arriva with limited operations by Red Route and other suppliers. These are generally routes provided under contract to KCC, especially at weekends and evenings, and the daytime in the rural area.

In addition to these services, the new Fastrack system was brought into operation in March 2006. Fastrack routes connect Gravesend to Dartford via Ebbsfleet International Station, Bluewater shopping centre and Darent Valley Hospital. Fastrack has dedicated segregation wherever possible to allow for its route to continue without being affected by traffic congestion. Exceeding patronage estimates from the outset, Fastrack carried around 2 million passengers within its first year of operation and won national acclaim by winning top prize in the bus category at the prestigious National Transport Awards.

Importantly there is also evidence that as of June 2007, 19% of passengers had switched from using a car to Fastrack for local journeys thus making it a credible alternative to the car for local journeys. These results also suggest that given the right project, the potential benefits of wider investment in public transport are evident with the potential for aiding both local transport congestion and, as a result, local 2 CO emissions in the future.

When reviewing satisfaction levels with bus services across the borough, the Place Survey results for 2008 indicate 50.5% of people are either very or fairly satisfied with the service provision. This score was the sixth highest across KCC districts slightly behind near neighbours Dartford (51%) but considerably ahead of Swale (39.7%).

4.1.6 Transport Quarter In November 2008 the government’s Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) confirmed a grant of £8m towards delivering the Transport Quarter scheme. This investment for the Transport Quarter, located in Gravesend around Garrick Street and the train station, will be a “catalysing” contribution to the development, some of which is needed to produce a detailed masterplan and the rest to help deliver the component parts. Other funds will be provided by KCC, Network Rail/Southeastern and residential and commercial developments.

39 http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/about_eurostar/press_release/press_archive_2007/2007_11_1 9_ebbsfleet_launch.jsp 40 http://www.eurostar.com/pdf/timetables/timetables_english2.pdf 41 http://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/index.php/news/news_items/view/100 http://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/index.php/cms/pages/view/324 42 http://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/index.php/highspeed http://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/app/webroot/files/cache/High%20speed%20peak%20services% 20route%20map.pdf

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 23 [August 2009] Page 31

The key elements of the Transport Quarter scheme are;

• Integration of the Transport Quarter within the town • removal of through traffic from Clive Road and Barrack Row • creation of a new pedestrian bridge over the railway • creation of a new transport interchange • a new road layout, with a new link across Rathmore Road car park, giving more space for pedestrians • new jobs, new homes and a new car park.

4.2 Transport Accessibility

4.2.1 Car provision Based on the 2001 Census, 16.4% of households in Gravesham do not own a car - this was the 5 th highest total across KCC districts. Although definitive explanations cannot be associated against these figures, one possible explanation may lie in the urban/rural split prevalent within the borough.

Looking at the same 2001 Census, within urban areas the number of households who do not own a car is as high as 19.4%, the fourth highest figure across KCC districts and significantly, higher than near neighbours Dartford and Swale. This high figure could indicate that as urban dwellers, this particular group are closer to the key services they need and therefore a car is not required. An alternative theory could suggest that owning a car so close to amenities is a needless luxury or that they do not have the income to afford a car.

This high figure amongst urban dwellers is countered considerably by Gravesham’s rural based population. Within rural Gravesham, only 5.2% of people do not own a car which is the smallest figure across the KCC region. This could indicate a necessity to own a car to access key services within the borough which lends itself to wider questions relating to the provision of services in rural areas (Gravesham has areas of wards within England’s top 20% deprived based on geographical barriers to services). Alternatively, or possibly in addition, this high level of car ownership in rural areas could arguably also point to greater material wealth in comparison to urban dwellers.

4.2.2 Concessionary Bus Travel Schemes Within Kent a free bus pass scheme for residents aged 60 and over, including eligible disabled people of any age, has been in operation since April 2006. This scheme allows access to a bus pass that enables free bus travel within the local area during off-peak hours in Kent of 09:00 until the last bus of the day, and all day during weekends and Bank Holidays. This exceeds the national minimum of 09:30 – 23:00.

A total of 184,226 concessionary bus passes had been issued in Kent up to the end of March 2008. This equates to 11.2% of the Kent population who are either; aged 60 and over, or are disabled, or both, having a free bus pass. 43 Of these figures, Gravesham accounted for just over 6% of the total number of concessionary passes distributed across the KCC area.

43 We are the People of Kent [Kent County Council - 2009]

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 24 [August 2009] Page 32

When reviewing the figures in more detail, Gravesham accounted for the fifth highest amount of disabled passes (8.9%) and the 10 th highest figure of OAP passes (6.3%). Both of these positions are ahead of Gravesham’s total population position within the KCC area of 11 th . Interestingly when specifically analysing the number of over 60 year olds with free bus passes within Gravesham, the figure of 50.9% is both below the KCC area average (52.4%) and significantly below near neighbours Dartford (57.6%).

4.3 Alternative Modes of Transport

4.3.1 Cycling Cycling within the borough is used for dual purposes; as a mode of transport to work or to access an alternative mode of transport and also as a leisure pursuit which has the associated benefit of aiding the health of residents within the Borough.

Within Gravesham there are a variety of cycling networks ranging from the East-West route from Dartford to Strood (NCR1 via the Gravesend town centre and the Thames and Medway Canal), the new cycle route along the former A2 that links Northfleet and Gravesend (NCR177) with each other and through to Strood and the rural area which has a number of informal off road links created in the Jeskyns/CAMS area. Developments are under way to expand the cycle network within the borough. 44

4.3.2 Walking As a travel priority of KCC, walking has a number of benefits as a contributory factor to a healthier population, less crowded roads, and less pollution from traffic. It will also increase road safety. Within the borough, there is a network of footways alongside urban roads and some in rural areas. Generally, rural roads lend themselves to walking along the carriageway. There also exists a network of Public Rights of way.

There are two national walking routes in the Borough: the Saxon Shore Way to Eastbourne round the coast; and the Weald Way going due south to Eastbourne across the Downs and the Weald. The North Downs Way passes to the south and east of the Borough. The Government would like to see the Thames Path extended from the Woolwich Barrier to Gravesend. There are numerous other walking opportunities, some way marked or set out in leaflets. Camer Park, Shorne Woods Country Park, Trosley Country Park, Jeskyns and Cobham Park provide a network of destinations and/or starting points.

4.4 Road Safety

4.4.1 Road Accidents Within KCC districts there were 3,784 road accidents during 20084546 . By some distance, the largest group involved in accidents were those driving or as a passenger in a car which equated to 64%. The smallest category involved in accidents was goods vehicles. Between 2006-2008, Gravesham had the fewest accidents on KCC roads on an annual basis.

44 LDF: Transport Strategy [Gravesham Borough Council - 2009] 45 This figure excludes major trunk roads. 46 Personal injury crashes on Kent (excluding Medway) Roads [Kent County Council - 2008]

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 25 [August 2009] Page 33

4.4.2 Road Casualties Within KCC between 2006-2008, Gravesham had on average the smallest number of casualties across all three recognised categories (fatal, serious and slight) and therefore the smallest number of total casualties.47 When reviewing the road casualty numbers, Fig. 7 below outlines Gravesham’s average yearly total for 2006-2008 against the other KCC districts. Gravesham had on average slightly fewer accidents than near neighbours Dartford and Swale and considerably less than Maidstone who had the highest figure. Gravesham’s position alongside Dartford indicates a correlation between total accident and population figures.

Fig.7 District average number of casualties on KCC roads 2006-2008

Conclusion / Key Themes :

• December 2009 will see the start of full high speed domestic train services from Ebbsfleet and Gravesend stations. This will dramatically change the accessibility of the area from Central London. • As of June 2007, 19% of passengers had switched from car to the Fastrack service for short journeys. • Within Gravesham, 16.4% of households do not own a car, the 5 th highest figure across KCC districts. This figure rises to 19.4% in urban areas. Only 5.2% of people do not own a car in rural Gravesham, which suggests possible inequalities in terms of access to key services. • Gravesham has the fifth highest number of disabled bus passes across KCC districts. • Gravesham has the lowest average number of car accidents across KCC districts. • Congestion will grow on the transport network and needs to be managed.

47 Personal injury crashes on Kent (excluding Medway) Roads [Kent County Council - 2008]

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 26 [August 2009] Page 34

5. Community involvement and cohesion

5.1 Active Citizenship

5.1.1 Political Activity Political activity within Gravesham appears to follow traditional patterns across Kent and nationally with the highest electoral turnout at general elections (2005 – 65.8%) decreasing across European (2009 - South East 37.5%), local council (2007 - 36%) and county council (2009 – 35% average across three wards) elections respectively.

For residents of Gravesham, political activity extends beyond elections. From the results of the 2008 Place Survey, Gravesham recorded positive figures for the categories; • Involvement in decision making • Ability to influence decision making

Fig. 8 NI3 and NI4 results from the 2008 Place Survey

Involvement in decision Ability to influence making NI 3 decision making NI 4

Tunbridge Wells 15.8% Gravesham 30.4% Gravesham 15.7% Sevenoaks 30.2% Medway 14.7% Tonbridge & Malling 29.4% Sevenoaks 14.6% Ashford 28.7% Dover 13.7% Canterbury 28.2% Ashford 13.2% Dover 27.8% Maidstone 12.7% Dartford 27.6% KCC 12.5% Kent 26.7% Canterbury 12.2% Tunbridge Wells 26.4% Shepway 11.8% Maidstone 25.4% Tonbridge & Malling 11.2% Swale 24.4% Swale 10.7% Medway 23.4% Thanet 10.1% Shepway 22.1% Dartford 9.1% Thanet 21.1%

National Average 14.1% National Average 28.7% South-east 14.2% South-east 28.2% Top Quartile 15.9% Top Quartile 30.8% Median 13.9% Median 28.2% (Top and Bottom) (Top and Bottom) Bottom Quartile 11.9% Bottom Quartile 26.0% Kent Average 12.7% Kent Average 26.6%

As can be seen from Fig. 8, Gravesham residents recorded a figure of 15.7% in regards to being involved in local decision making. This might include for example, being a member of a committee or groups relating to local services, education or standing as a local councillor. Gravesham’s result was ahead of the national and south east averages, albeit slightly below the top quartile, and considerably ahead of near neighbours Dartford and Swale.

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 27 [August 2009] Page 35

In regards to residents identifying with the ability to influence decision making, Gravesham achieved very positive results and as Fig. 8 indicates, Gravesham achieved the highest percentage across KCC districts with 30.4%. This figure is again ahead of the national (slightly below the top national quartile) and south eastern averages, and considerably ahead of near neighbours Dartford and Swale.

Within Gravesham, over 20% of respondents to the Place Survey outlined a definite interest in becoming more involved in decision making within the borough.

5.1.2 Parish Councils Within Gravesham’s electoral boundary, there are six Parish Councils located at; Cobham, Higham, Luddesdown, Meopham, Shorne and Vigo. Each is able to implement an extra council tax charge for its residents based on what the parish council requires for the financial year.48

In turn the Parish Council, in conjunction with other agencies, organisations and the members of the Community, delivers a series of initiatives and services for its local residents. In Meopham Parish for example, a Parish Plan has been devised in conjunction with local residents to allow them the opportunity to give their views in the planning of the future of their community. The Meopham Parish Plan, which runs from 2009-12, includes key proposals ranging from the provision of sports facilities for young people through to assisting with transport provision for those residents needing hospital treatment. 49

5.1.3 Citizen Groups During 2008-09, the council continued its recruitment campaign to the Citizen’s Panel which has now reached over 800 members. In addition, the programme of engagement with young people has begun in collaboration with the schools and the Local Children’s Services Partnership.

In addition to the Citizen’s Panel the council, in partnership with KCC and the six parish councils in the rural area, have set up three Neighbourhood Forums for the borough - Gravesham Rural, Gravesham East and Northfleet and Gravesend West. For the purposes of this initiative, the borough is divided by wards:

• Gravesham East Forum - Riverside, Central, Whitehill, Singlewell, Riverview, Westcourt, and Chalk • Gravesham Rural Forum - There are 6 Parishes and 6 wards in Gravesham Rural. The wards are - Istead Rise, Meopham North, Meopham South & Vigo, Shorne, Cobham & Luddesdown and Higham. The parish councils that make up this area are Cobham, Higham, Luddesdown, Meopham, Shorne and Vigo • Northfleet and Gravesend West Forum - Northfleet North, Northfleet South, Painters Ash, Coldharbour, Woodlands and Pelham

The Neighbourhood Forums, open to all residents, are held quarterly and are for Gravesham residents to have their say on local services and issues. Local councillors and officers from the county, borough and parish councils are all involved in the meetings to hear residents’ concerns.

48 http://www.gravesham.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=273 49 http://www.meopham.org/parishplan/

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5.1.4 Gravesham Youth During 2009, a new cabinet role for the youth portfolio was created alongside Vox Box, the Gravesham Youth Council.

The new cabinet portfolio for Youth has two main objectives; halting the year on year rise of obesity in children under 11 and also to promote sports development in the borough by providing sound leisure facilities to young people.

Vox Box, run by the Gr@nd Project (GBC) and supported by Kent Youth Services, is a great way for residents aged 11-18 years to make a difference to where and how they live, while obtaining experience in team-working and decision-making. The new youth council, which will hold an official election process for members in September 2009, aims to represent the views of young people who live or go to school in the Gravesham. Members of the Youth Council will attend monthly meetings, meet with other young people and listen to their issues or concerns, as well as speaking with Councillors, Council Officers and local residents about their needs and wants. Vox Box members will be supported by GBC and KCC youth workers, GBC officers and cross party Councillors.

5.2 Community Cohesion

5.2.1 2008 Place Survey Results Details of the Place Survey and how it was carried out were outlined in the Introduction to this report. The results of the recent Place Survey indicate that there is still work to be done in Gravesham to ensure a diverse and cohesive community.

Asked whether different people get on well together, whether there was a feeling of belonging in the neighbourhood and whether there was a problem with people not treating each other with respect, Gravesham scored below the south east and national levels against each criterion. Indeed, with regards to “whether there was a problem with people not treating each other with respect”, Gravesham was in the bottom national quartile with a score of 39.9% which was only above Thanet and Dartford across the KCC area. However, projects are being introduced to address these issues and to foster vibrant and cohesive communities within Gravesham and this report will outline some of these examples in paragraphs 5.2.2 to 5.2.4.

Following this trend, Gravesham performed poorly in consideration of “satisfaction with the area as a place to live”. Gravesham’s score of 72.3% was again in the bottom national quartile of results, considerably below the national and south east averages.

However, Gravesham scored better in the Place Survey in regards to volunteering. Just under 24% of people who responded declared they had undertaken regular (once a month) formal volunteering activities. These activities included unpaid help through groups, clubs or organisations which support social, environmental, cultural or sporting objectives. Gravesham’s score of 23.8% was slightly below the national average of 24% and the south east average of 24.8%.

5.2.2 The Big 7 Festival The first ever Big 7 festival was held across June-July 2009 and attracted more than 20,000 people into Gravesham to enjoy seven days of entertainment, sport, art, culture and food.

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 29 [August 2009] Page 37

The festival had seven main events which included a fun run, charity cricket match, jazz evening and two free outdoor concerts. The festival was produced in partnership with Gravesham Borough Council, North West Kent Racial Equality Council, Cohesion Plus, Kent Youth Services, Northfleet Carnival, Woodville Halls, Gravesend Regatta Committee, Gravesend Road Runners and traders from the town centre.

5.2.3 Vaisakhi Education Day The annual Vaisakhi Procession Education Day focuses on teaching primary school children about the multicultural society they live in. The young people learn more about the community they live in and are given the opportunity to watch and participate in culturally diverse activities that facilitate a better understanding of what Vaisakhi means to the large Sikh community in Gravesham.

The Education Day traditionally takes place the week prior to the Vaisakhi Procession through the town centre so that children have a greater insight and appreciation of the significance of the festival itself. The event has proven that children, especially those from rural schools where there are smaller minority ethnic (ME) communities in comparison to urban parts of Gravesham, have a better perception of the importance of Vaisakhi. Gravesham Borough Council has provided support and resources for the Education Day which regularly attracts 1400 school children each year.

5.2.4 St George’s Day Parade The annual St George’s Day Parade takes place on April 23 rd each year and is a large community based celebration of England’s patron saint. In 2009 the celebration was spread over two parades and included a special event for children. The parades, organised by Gravesham Borough Council, involved around 700 youngsters from 15 schools who, alongside art organisation Same Sky, worked to create vibrant costumes and a giant St George puppet. St George’s day is an extremely popular celebration attended by hundreds of people from the borough and involves extensive partnership working between Gravesham Borough Council, the North West Kent Regional Equality Council, Kent Police, the Arts Council, St George’s Shopping Centre, Same Sky and Awards for All.

5.2.5 Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara In 2002, work started on the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara building in Gravesend. When fully open, the Gurdwara will be used by north Kent's 12,000 Sikhs and open to all members of the community. The building will not only be a place of worship for the Sikh faith with two prayer halls being provided, it will also house exhibition spaces, lecture rooms catering for 140 people, a nursery and a library containing information on Sikhism. The entire £12million cost for the construction of the project is being funded from donations from the community.

5.2.6 North West Kent Regional Equality Council (REC) The REC operates in the Dartford and Gravesham area and plays a proactive role in promoting community cohesion. The REC has been very successful in recent years in using sport and the arts to promote positive community relations around the county of Kent.

In addition to community events, REC provides support, advice and information to individual victims of racial discrimination and racial harassment. In some cases the REC also represent them at industrial tribunals. 50

50 www.nwrec.com

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Conclusion / Key Themes :

• Gravesham follows national patterns in relation to voting percentages decreasing through national, European, local council, and county council elections respectively. • Gravesham has proportionally the second highest number of people across KCC who feel they can be involved in local decision making based on the Place Survey results for 2008. • Place Survey results indicate Gravesham has proportionally the highest number of residents who feel they can influence local decision making. • Gravesham’s Citizens Panel now has over 800 members. • The council, in partnership with KCC and the six parish councils now operate three Neighbourhood Forums held quarterly and open to all residents. • Gravesham Borough Council now has a Youth Council in operation and a dedicated Youth Portfolio member on the cabinet. • Gravesham Borough Council scored 74.3% in the 2008 Place Survey on whether “different people get on well together”, just ahead of near neighbours Dartford and Swale but slightly behind the KCC area average.

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 31 [August 2009] Page 39

6. Community Safety

6.1 Policing Overview

6.1.1 Policing in Gravesham Policing in Gravesham is carried out by the North Kent Police whose area of responsibility also covers the borough of Dartford. The main police station representing North Kent is located within Gravesham at Thames Way, Northfleet. Within Gravesham specifically, there is also a police contact point centre located in central Gravesend at the civic centre.

Outside of these facilities, Gravesend is represented through a variety of eight neighbourhood police teams divided over geographic areas of responsibility across the borough. Neighbourhood policing teams are led by police officers but involve a number of roles including; special constables, police community support officers, council wardens, volunteers and others.

The Gravesham community is also able to interact with the local police at regular Partners and Community Together (PACT) meetings. These events offer the community the opportunity to meet the local neighbourhood policing team, influence how neighbourhoods are policed and monitor the police performance.

6.1.2 Dartford and Gravesham Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership Following the publication of the Crime and Disorder Act in 1998, every borough in England established a Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP). Gravesham is now represented through a joint CDRP with Dartford which follows the same North Kent police structure outlined in paragraph 6.1.1.

The purpose of a CDRP is to audit crime and disorder in their respective area and to establish strategies to reduce it. In order to provide a combined approach to crime and disorder across both Dartford and Gravesham, the CDRP have devised a Community Safety Plan 2008-11 which sets the focus and direction the CDRP will take over the period.51 Both statistical figures and public opinion indicate that the work of the Dartford and Gravesham CDRP is continuing to have a positive impact in reducing crime and disorder across both boroughs. Sustained efforts have been made to improve the way in which partner agencies work together, a key step forward having been the creation of Community Safety Units (CSUs) in both Dartford and Gravesham allowing Kent Police Officers and Local Authority Community Safety Team members to be co-located. The results have been tangible with sound working relationships, better communication and cohesion, all contributing to a more effective and speedier response in tackling identified and emerging crime and community safety issues. 52

51 http://www.dartford.gov.uk/communitysafety/index.htm 52 Strategic Assessment [Dartford and Gravesham CDRP - September 2008]

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6.2 Levels of Crime

6.2.1 KCC Districts Total Levels of Crime Police recorded crime statistics provide a measure of crime trends. They do not include crimes that have not been reported to the police or that the police decide not to record. For example, some types of antisocial behaviour may not be recorded as a crime.

Kent as a whole experiences a lower number of crimes per 1,000 of the population than the south east or national averages. In 2007/08 the national average was 91.1 crimes per 1,000 of the population and the south east average was 82.6 crimes per 1,000 of the population. Kent (excluding Medway) reported 77.2 crimes per 1,000 population.

In addition to having below average levels of crime, Kent has also seen the number of reported crimes per 1,000 of the population decrease year on year. In 2005/06 there were 88.3 crimes per 1,000 of the population which had fallen in 2007/08 to 77.2 crimes per 1,000 of the population. Interestingly, this pattern has been evident across all KCC districts. 53

6.2.2 Gravesham Total Levels of Crime Nowhere in the KCC area has the pattern of falling levels of reported crimes been as evident as in Gravesham. In 2005-06, Gravesham had a little over 140 crimes per 1,000 of the population, 10 reported crimes higher than near neighbours Dartford and roughly 30% higher than any other KCC district. However, considerable progress has been made and Gravesham’s figures significantly reduced over 2006-07 to reach 87 crimes per 1,000 of the population, closer to the KCC district average and below the national average figures. In addition, as a percentage Gravesham’s reduction in reported crime of 13% between year ending Sept 2007 and year ending Sept 2008 is the highest reduction across the KCC area. Fig. 9 below sets Gravesham’s statistics against comparative data from Dartford and KCC.

Fig. 9 All crime – Year ending September 2007 compared to year ending September 2008 54

Total recorded crime Total recorded crime per 1,000 population Area Year ending Year ending % Year ending Year ending Sept 2007 Sept 2008 change Sept 2007 Sept 2008 Gravesham 9,742 8,478 -13 100.0 87.0 Dartford 10,311 9,602 -6.9 114.7 106.8 North Kent 20,053 18,080 -9.8 107.0 96.5 Kent 140,665 125,821 -10.6 86.1 77.0

Moving forward, when reviewing the reported crime figures across the various crime categories for April 2007-March 2008 and April 2008-March 2009, there a couple of external factors that need to be considered to provide a full context.

Firstly the wider economic downturn has, as predicted, had some bearing on the latest figures. The Dartford and Gravesham Strategic Assessment (SA) for November 2008 predicted that rises would be seen across acquisitive crime as available finances become tighter for residents.

53 We are the People of Kent 2009 [Kent County Council - 2009] 54 Strategic Assessment [Dartford and Gravesham CDRP - September 2008]

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 33 [August 2009] Page 41

Following the same logic, the SA predicted a general reduction in violence in the night-time economy as financial pressures result in fewer people engaging in social activity or at the very least spending less money on alcohol in the public arena.

A summary of the SA predictions can be found below;

In terms of acquisitive crime • An increase in shoplifting, particularly food and alcohol; • An increase in making off without paying for fuel and fuel theft; • An increase in metal theft (beyond copper and lead).

In terms of non-acquisitive crime • A reduction in violence in the night-time economy due to less social activity; • An increase in domestic violence, with financial problems putting strains on relationships; • A drop in the street price of Class A drugs, particularly cocaine – the market will need to adapt to less disposable income being available.

A second influence on recorded crime figures is pro-active policing. Whilst the crime figures can reflect a particular issue within a ward with a certain type of crime, it must also be remembered that pro-active policing can result in higher numbers of crimes being reported. This has been evident in the drug offences category where there has been an increased police focus in Gravesham. As a result, these figures indicate a 47.5% increase across April 2007-March 2008 to April 2008-March 2009 and although there may be exceptions in certain wards, the increase in recorded drug offences reflects the increased police attention in this field. This focus and systematic approach to dismantling drugs markets has been recognised by the Home Office with the 'National Tackling Drugs Award 2009 and the drugs team being awarded demonstrator status for this type of work.

6.2.3 Total Crime Categories As has already been explained in paragraph 6.2.2, recorded crime in Gravesham has been falling steadily for several years and reductions have been significant. As such it is fair to assume that future similar sized reductions will become harder to achieve over future years and may indeed be smaller.

In regards to specific types of crime, Fig. 10 provides a breakdown of crime in Gravesham for April 2008 to March 2009 across major crime categories per 1000 of the population (based on the current available population figure of 98,000 outlined in paragraph 2.1.1).

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 34 [August 2009] Page 42

Fig. 10 Crimes per 1000 of the population in Gravesham 2008-09 55

It is apparent from Fig. 10 that the key issues for the borough in terms of the volume of reported crime are criminal damage and violence against the person offences. Although reductions have been achieved against criminal damage offences (-5.3% between 07-08 and 08-09), violence against the person has seen a 5.2% increase for the same period. Both of these crime categories are current North Kent Police Control Strategy Priorities and they will remain the focus of attention in the forthcoming year in respect of CDRP initiatives.

6.3 Gravesham Crime - Ward Level Analysis

6.3.1 Ward Overview Sources 5657 To provide a detailed analysis of crime across the wards, Appendix 5 highlights the total volume of crime for April 2008-March 2009 using Arc-GIS mapping. In addition to the mapping source, Appendix 6 outlines a series of tables. Tables A and B provide a breakdown of recorded crime by ward for the periods April 2007-March 2008 and April 2008-March 2009. Table C then provides a percentage change across the wards for the same categories and finally Table D offers the year on year change in numerical format. Tables C and D have been created to enable a wider analysis of growing or decreasing trends across Gravesham’s wards.

6.3.2 Ward Crime Rises When reviewing Table C at Appendix 6 it is apparent that between April 2007-March 2008 and April 2008-March 2009, seven wards showed a percentage increase in the volume of recorded crime (see column P). Of those seven wards, Painters Ash (43%), Coldharbour (30.6%) and Northfleet South (12.4%) saw the largest crime rises in terms of percentages with double figure results for the period.

55 http://www.kent.gov.uk/kentcrimeview/web/ 56 For the purposes of the ward analysis, this report will focus on the most recent yearly comparative data at the time of writing; April 2007-March 2008 against April 2008-March 2009. 57 http://www.kent.gov.uk/kentcrimeview/web/

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All three of these wards shared rises in criminal damage, drug and violence against the person offences. Of the remaining four wards to show a rise in crime for the period (Pelham – 9.1%, Singlewell – 6.7% Northfleet North – 3.5%, and Woodlands – 1.8%), they each shared a rise in the burglary dwelling category. Between these four wards, three shared rises in the categories; theft from a motor vehicle, and theft of a pedal cycle.

As Table D highlights, Pelham ward actually had the highest overall rise in total numbers throughout Gravesham with 143 offences. However Pelham (1714), with almost double the total number of recorded offences than second placed Riverside (899), is the only ward with over 1000 recorded crimes for both the years in question and therefore this high total rise in offences actually accounts for a single figure percentage rise – 9.1%. Pelham also accounted for the two highest rises for crime in individual categories (shoplifting – 75 and violence against the person – 65).

For those wards recording rises in offences, targeted policing of priority areas is being delivered. For example in Pelham/Town Centre, the New Road, Pelham Road, Thames Way, Windmill Street and West Street areas are priority areas for ‘other burglary offences’ from garages/rear of shop premises etc.

6.3.3 Ward Crime Reductions 58 Importantly, as has already been outlined, during the period there have been significant reductions in the crime levels across the borough. As Table C of Appendix 6 reflects, during April 2007-March 2008 and April 2008-March 2009 eleven of the wards presented falls in the percentage levels of recorded crime (see column P). Of these eleven wards, Central (-15.9%), Chalk (-25%), Higham (-43.4%), Istead Rise (-11.6%), Meopham South and Vigo (-13.6%), Shorne, Cobham and Luddesdown (-13.7%), Westcourt (-15%) and Whitehill (-28.2%) saw the largest crime falls in terms of percentages with double figure reductions for the period. When analysing these eight wards, all showed a reduction across the crime categories of criminal damage and theft offences. The next most common reduction in a crime category was theft of a motor vehicle where only Meopham South and Vigo showed a rise (50% or a total rise of six reported offences).

On review of Table D, the largest total reduction in crime across the wards was evident in Central ward which had a reduction of 134 offences (see column P). Central ward accounted for two of the four highest reduction totals across the crime categories (theft from a motor vehicle -54 and criminal damage -38). The largest total reduction across all of the crime categories was Whitehill ward where recorded criminal damage offences fell by 61 offences. Higham which had the largest percentage reduction in crime actually had only the third highest reduction in the number total of incidents (-96)

6.3.4 Crime Categories – Ward Level Analysis 59 Column Q in Table D outlines the number of crime categories that have fallen for each individual ward. Across the 15 categories, Central, Chalk, Higham, Shorne, Cobham and Luddesdown, Westcourt and Whitehill wards, each of which have recorded a fall in overall crime, have 10 categories where a fall in the number of offences has been recorded.

58 http://www.kent.gov.uk/kentcrimeview/web/ 59 http://www.kent.gov.uk/kentcrimeview/web/

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However, when reviewing the results it is not always the case that those wards which have seen high numbers of categories recording a fall have this drop reflected in the year-end total number of offences.

Just behind the leading group, Woodlands have nine individual categories recording a drop yet their total recorded crime points to an overall rise of seven offences (1.8%). In Woodlands’ case, where recorded drops in crime numbers have occurred, an almost identical amount of recorded rises have been made across the remaining six crime categories.

In Northfleet South, the results are even more extreme where seven crime categories have recorded a fall yet there are an extra 72 number of offences recorded for the year. This is because those categories highlighting a rise have evidently higher figures than the numbers within those categories which have fallen.

Fig. 11 further outlines these results. Interestingly as can be seen, Painters Ash ward did not record a single reduction across the 15 crime categories during this period.

Fig. 11 Total number of crime category reductions (April 2007-March 2008 and April 2008-March 2009)

In regards to the volume of crime, Fig. 10 at paragraph 6.2.3 provides a very similar picture to the rest of Kent in terms of the leading crime categories. Indeed, Gravesham shares the exact same top seven crime categories in terms of volume with the KCC region as a whole. Of these top seven crime categories (criminal damage, violence against the person, theft, theft from a motor vehicle, shoplifting, burglary other and burglary dwelling) this report will concentrate on the three highest figures in terms of volume across the various wards of the borough.

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 37 [August 2009] Page 45

6.3.5 Criminal Damage (column C Tables A-D)60 In total, criminal damage offences, the largest crime category across KCC districts and Gravesham, saw a drop of 108 offences for the period April 2007-March 2008 to April 2008-March 2009. This equates to a percentage fall of 5.3% for the year.

Across the wards, half of the 18 wards showed falls throughout the period of which eight recorded double figure reductions. The most dramatic falls can be seen in Whitehill (-61), Central (-38) and Meopham South and Vigo (-34). In terms of percentages, the highest falls in reported crime across this category have been Whitehill (-48%), Meopham South and Vigo (-46.6%) and Chalk (-45.8%).

Across the nine remaining wards, the highest rises were seen in Coldharbour (43), Northfleet South (34) and Pelham (20). In regards to percentages, the top three wards for rises in this category were Coldharbour (55.1%), Meopham North (47.1%) and Northfleet South (24.6%).

6.3.6 Violence Against the Person (column O Tables A-D)61 Violence against the person was the joint second highest growing crime category in Gravesham during the period in question with an extra 91 recorded offences. This equates to a rise of 5.2% which in percentage terms was the fourth highest increase across the six crime categories that increased over the year.

When analysing the wards within this category, ten of the wards showed rises of which seven recorded double figures. The highest rises were seen in Pelham (65), Central (27) and Painters Ash (25). These three wards also represented the highest percentage increase across the year albeit in a different order; Painters Ash (69.4%), Pelham (18.8%) and Central (14.6%).

Reductions in this category came in eight of Gravesham’s wards with the highest reductions coming in Shorne, Cobham and Luddesdown (-21), Whitehill (-19) and Higham (-17). In percentage terms, Higham (-65.4%), Shorne, Cobham and Luddesdown (-52.5%) and Whitehill (-26.8%) represented the three largest falls over the period.

6.3.7 Theft (column M Tables A-D)62 As a category, theft recorded the third highest number of offences in Gravesham over the period. It did however also see the largest total fall in numbers (-123) with the number of offences dropping below 1000 (981). This represents an 11.1% drop which in percentage terms is the fourth highest fall across the 15 categories.

On review of the ward data, 12 of the wards showed a fall in the numbers of theft offences of which seven recorded double figure reductions. Northfleet North (-47), Northfleet South (-19) Higham and Istead Rise (-18) saw the highest reductions. In terms of percentages, Istead Rise (-69.2%), Higham (-62.1%) and Northfleet North (-38.5%) saw proportionally the highest drops in this category.

Rises in theft occurred in six of the wards with the highest rises evident in Pelham (18), Painters Ash (11) and Coldharbour (7). In percentages, Painters Ash (52.4%), Coldharbour (21.2%) and Riverview (13.3%) were the highest rises and the only double figure results.

60 http://www.kent.gov.uk/kentcrimeview/web/ 61 http://www.kent.gov.uk/kentcrimeview/web/ 62 http://www.kent.gov.uk/kentcrimeview/web/

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 38 [August 2009] Page 46

6.3.8 Other Areas of Interest 63 The crime category with the two highest rises across the various wards and crime categories was drug offences. The total rise in this category was 47.5% and six wards recorded rises over 100%. This rise, which can be accounted for by an increased police focus (6.2.2), can go some way to explaining Gravesham’s position within KCC for drug treatment cases. Based on figures supplied by the Drug and Alcohol Action Team, Dartford and Gravesham combined (individual figures not available) have the second highest number of people in treatment for drug substances across the KCC area behind Thanet.64

Interestingly as a total percentage, Dartford and Gravesham has the second highest figure of people in treatment for drugs (72.7%) as opposed to alcohol, slightly behind near neighbours Swale (74.4%). Indeed Gravesham’s rate for hospital stays for alcohol related harm is below the national average. Within Dartford and Gravesham, the primary drug substance for people in treatment programmes is heroin with a recorded 30% of people. For young people (aged 10-18) accessing services, cannabis was the most indicated primary substance, provided by 79% of the clients.

When looking at the Place Survey results, NI 42 (drug and drug use a problem in the area) Gravesham finished in the median sector with a figure of 28.1% of respondents identifying this as a problem slightly below the national average of 28.3%.

6.4 Perceptions of crime

6.4.1 General Overview Despite Gravesham leading the crime reduction figures across the KCC area, perception of crime within Gravesham remains an issue. To counter this, the Dartford and Gravesham CDRP have engaged in a variety of proactive work including;

• Community Safety Information Days/Events to increase the amount of information available to the public about local services; • Community ‘Clean Up Days’ to remove fly-tipping and rubbish from local estates and actively engage with local residents to encourage more personal responsibility for the cleanliness of local areas and pride in the community; • Encouraging the establishment of new Neighbourhood Watches and Residents’ Associations in key geographical locations with higher than average levels of crime and disorder.

As recorded crime falls in Gravesham, perceptions are improving. Fig. 12 highlights a year on year score based on the Kent Crime and Victimisation Survey (KCVS) results on specific crime types. What is apparent is that Gravesham (GBC) is improving and has in fact a better score than the KCC area average in two of the categories. 65

63 http://www.kent.gov.uk/kentcrimeview/web/ 64 DAAT CDRP Report [April-June Q1 2008-09] 65 Strategic Assessment [Dartford and Gravesham CDRP - September 2008]

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 39 [August 2009] Page 47

Fig. 12 General perception of crime across Gravesham, Dartford and KCC districts

Gravesham Borough Council, Dartford Borough Council & KCC average % of people who are very or fairly worried about Year Having their Having their car Being mugged Being physically house burgled stolen or robbed attacked Year ending 65% - GBC 48% - GBC 49% - GBC 44% - GBC Sept 2007 56% - DBC 46% - DBC 52% - DBC 51% - DBC 55% - KCC 38% - KCC 42% - KCC 40% - KCC Year ending 52% - GBC 38% - GBC 33% - GBC 32% - GBC Sept 2008 48% - DBC 38% - DBC 41% - DBC 40% - DBC 43% - KCC 33% - KCC 34% - KCC 33% - KCC

However, despite the improvements made in recent years in feelings of safety in some categories, overall, people in both Dartford and Gravesham feel less safe than people elsewhere in Kent where on average 89% felt either very safe or fairly safe in the year ending September 2008.

6.4.2 Anti-Social Behaviour Despite there being an 11.7% reduction in anti-social behaviour (ASB) recorded crime between September 2007 and September 2008, Gravesham fell within the bottom quartile of results in the recent Place Survey for the perception of ASB. Gravesham residents recorded a score of 24% against the Kent average of 19%. Further, the Gravesham Partners and Communities Together (PACT) group also identifies ASB as its most prevalent priority.

However, it is clear from the figures below taken from the KCVS that there have been very significant improvements in local perceptions which are beginning to bring opinion closer to that across Kent generally than was previously the case.

Fig. 13 Perceptions of Anti-Social Behaviour 66

% of people who consider the following to be a very or fairly big problem Year ending Sept 2007 Year ending Sept 2008 Behaviour Dartford Gravesham Dartford & Kent Gravesham Teenagers hanging around 51% 42% 34% 28% People drunk or rowdy in public 37% 25% 22% 20% Vandalism, graffiti or deliberate damage 47% 40% 26% 20% Attacked or harassed because of skin colour 12% 10% N/a N/a Rubbish or litter lying around N/a N/a 27% 22% Noisy neighbours or loud parties N/a N/a 5% 7% People using or dealing drugs 27% 33% 21% 16% Abandoned or burnt out cars 15% 12% 7% 5%

66 Strategic Assessment [Dartford and Gravesham CDRP - September 2008]

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 40 [August 2009] Page 48

Again using the Place Survey results as a comparative tool, Gravesham’s results and position improves when considering the public’s view on the effectiveness of the police and public services in dealing with ASB. Gravesham’s score of 24.6% is slightly below the KCC area average (24.7%) but considerably higher than near neighbours Swale (22.1%) and Dartford (21.4%). This upward trend is further enhanced in the Place Survey when reviewing the results of the perception of whether the police and public services considering the public’s views on ASB. In this category Gravesham had the fourth highest score in the KCC area (24.9%) and managed to score above the national and KCC averages.

6.5 Fire Safety

6.5.1 Overview Gravesham’s fire service is operated by the Kent Fire and Rescue Service North Division with the local station wholetime (day and night) provision based in Northfleet. During 2007-08, Gravesham recorded falls across all major fire categories except for deliberate rubbish fires. Based on the number of incidents per 10,000 of the population, Gravesham actually heads the list across the KCC area for all major categories featuring deliberate fire incidents.

The report will now compare statistics against other KCC authorities using figures from the Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s Area Profile for Dartford and Gravesham 2008-09.67

6.5.2 Primary Fires A primary fire is defined as any fire involving casualties, rescue or escape or any fire involving property (including non-derelict vehicles) or any fire where at least five fire appliances attend. Gravesham’s figures for fires across this category (where an insurance claim can be made) against KCC authorities varies considerably between those that are accidental and those that are deliberate. In 2007/08 Gravesham saw a decrease in the number of accidental primary fires compared to 2006/07 as the figures fell from 12.9 to 9.4 per 10,000 of the population. Only Tonbridge and Malling recorded lower figures across the KCC area.

However when considering deliberate primary fires, Gravesham maintained its position from 2006-07 as having the highest number of incidents for any district in KCC per 10,000 of the population (16.8). Although this was a reduction on the previous year, Gravesham’s figure was considerably higher than near neighbour Swale (12.1) and Dartford (11.9) who incidentally finished second and third highest across Kent.

6.5.3 Secondary Fires Secondary fires, which are classed as non-insurable, saw a positive reduction across Gravesham in the year 2007-08. In accidental fires, Gravesham’s figure fell to proportionally the third lowest across KCC authorities with 3.5 per 10,000 of the population which was below the KCC area average of 4.9. Dartford had the greatest reduction of accidental secondary fires across KCC (-45.6%) but still ended slightly above the KCC area average with 6.2 per 10,000 of the population.

67 Area Profile for Dartford and Gravesham 2008-09 [Kent Fire and Rescue Service 2009]

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Both Gravesham and Dartford showed large falls across deliberate secondary fires between 2006-07 to 2007-08. Gravesham’s reduction was slower than Dartford and as a result, Gravesham has now assumed top place in deliberate secondary fires per 10,000 of the population with 76.6, albeit a fall of 17% for the year. Near neighbours Dartford recorded the second highest figure (76.1) with Swale third (60) across the KCC districts.

6.5.4 Dwelling Fires A total of 68 dwelling fires occurred in Gravesham during 2007/08 which is equal to 17.0 incidents per 10,000 dwellings. Over 70.0% of dwelling fires in Gravesham during 2007/08 were accidental; 15 were deliberate. Of the accidental fires, Gravesham reduced its figure to 13.3 per 10,000 of the population which, although dropping from the first to third highest, is still above the KCC districts’ average.

Meopham North, one of the least deprived areas in Gravesham, actually had the third highest number of incidents across the Gravesham wards per 10,000 dwellings. The highest number of incidents across Gravesham were recorded in Northfleet North.

6.5.5 Deliberate Vehicle Fires Gravesham’s figure for deliberate vehicle fires reduced between 2006-07 to 2007-08 from 14.7 to 13.7 per 10,000 of the population. However, based on 2006-07 figures, this reduction was considerably less than other similarly performing districts. Therefore across the KCC area, Gravesham’s figure is considerably higher than second place Dartford (8.9). The majority of deliberate vehicle fire incidents in Gravesham were either cars or vans, thought to be started by adults, with matches being the most common source of ignition.

Analysing at a ward level, Riverside ward saw the leading number of incidents in Gravesham per 10,000 of the population (51.5). This was almost double the amount compared to Dartford’s highest ward Bean and Darenth (26.3).

6.5.6 Deliberate Rubbish Fires Within this category between 2006-07 and 2007-08 , Gravesham’s figure actually increased from 21.4 to 23.6 per 10,000 of the population. Gravesham’s figure was considerably higher than second place Swale (15.6) and almost double that of Dartford (12.1). As against other deliberate fire categories, Dartford showed the leading reduction figures across KCC authorities.

Interestingly, over half of all deliberate rubbish fires in Dartford were thought to be started by youths. In contrast however the greatest number of incidents in Gravesham was believed to be started by adults, closely followed by youths.

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Conclusion / Key Themes :

• Gravesham lead the levels of overall crime reduction across the KCC area between September 2007 and September 2008. • Pro-active policing especially regarding drug offences has resulted in a rise in the number of recorded offences in this category. • Gravesham and the KCC area share the same top seven crime categories in regards to the number of recorded offences of which criminal damage, violence against the person and theft are the leading categories. • Eleven of Gravesham’s 18 wards showed falls in total recorded crime for the year April to March 2007-08 to 2008-09. • Central ward had the highest reduction in the volume of crime across Gravesham’s wards. • Pelham ward had the leading overall rise in offences across the wards (143); however this represents only a 9.1% increase on the 2007-08 figure. The highest percentage increase was in Painters Ash – 43%. • For those wards recording rises in offences, targeted policing of priority areas is being delivered. • Although improving, perception of crime within Gravesham is not improving at the same rate as the falling overall crime stats for the borough. • Despite evident falls, Gravesham proportionally heads all major categories for deliberate fires across KCC. • Riverside in Gravesham reported the highest number of deliberate vehicle and deliberate rubbish fires in 2007/08 across both Dartford and Gravesham boroughs.

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 43 [August 2009] Page 51

7. Education and Lifelong Learning

7.1 School Education

7.1.1 Pre-School Education Within Gravesham there are a substantial number of pre-school nurseries available for children aged 3 and 4 years old. Currently there are 31 pre-school nurseries with the prospect of a further facility being developed within the borough. Children of this age range follow the Early Years Foundation Stage, the first stage of the National Curriculum which gives children secure foundations for later learning.68 Children are entitled to 12.5 hours free early education per week for up to 38 weeks per year from the term following the child’s third birthday.

7.1.2 Primary and Secondary School Education Gravesham currently has 27 state primary schools within the borough which cater for children aged 4 – 11 years old. State education at the primary level is provided by KCC.

At Appendix 7, a map is provided of the location of Gravesham primary school students. On review of the map, the images show that pupils home locations are unsurprisingly more densely populated around Gravesham, Meopham and Vigo. Interestingly it is also clear that there are pupils commuting from other areas attending schools in Gravesham. Some pupils are travelling from Dartford, Swanley and District, Malling, Swale and Medway.

At the secondary level there are eight state schools (including 2 church comprehensive schools), six of which offer non-selective education and two of which offer selective education for children aged 11 – 18 years. Four of the secondary schools are currently benefiting from the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) project 69 , a national initiative to improve school buildings. The remaining schools will benefit in the next phase of BSF. As with state primary schools, state education at the comprehensive level is provided by KCC.

Gravesham also has provisions for private education. Currently there are four independent schools, two of which provide primary education, one which provides education for children aged 3 – 16 years and the remaining school provides secondary education for girls only on a day and boarding basis.

Appendix 8 provides a map in a similar format to Appendix 7. Appendix 8 highlights the home location of secondary school attendees in Gravesham. What is apparent is that the home locations of pupils attending secondary school in Gravesham are very similar to the primary school locations. As such, the most densely populated area is around Gravesham where the concentration is even higher than for primary locations. However, it is the home location of pupils commuting into the borough where the main differences occur. Pupils are travelling from similar areas to the primary school locations such as Dartford, Swanley and District, Malling, Swale and Medway but there are also pupils travelling from as far as Maidstone, Canterbury and the London Boroughs, including Bexley, Greenwich and Bromley. Clearly, this map evidences that the secondary schools attract pupils form a wider catchment area.

68 http://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-learning/early-years-and-childcare/free-early-education/ 69 http://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-learning/schools-and-sixth-form/schools-for-future/

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 44 [August 2009] Page 52

7.1.3 Specialist School Education Following a review undertaken by KCC in 2003 into the provision and support offered to children that have specialist education needs, it was decided that Ifield School in Gravesend was to be re-designated as the District Special School. From September 2004 it was decided that Ifield would take pupils with more profound, severe and complex learning and communication and interaction difficulties. It caters for 174 pupils with Special Educational Needs and is fully equipped to support the National Curriculum from Year R to Year 13.70

A further result of the review is that a number of mainstream schools have recently been designated as Pilot Phase 1 lead schools in the provision of special educational needs.71 The schools based in Gravesham are listed in Fig. 14 below. Outside of these facilities are other state schools within the boroughs of Dartford and Sevenoaks which cater for a range of specialist needs.

Fig. 14 State schools providing specialist education

School Phase Need Type Meopham – Nick Hornby Secondary Autistic Spectrum Centre Disorder (ASD) Raynehurst Primary Primary Visual Impairment (VI) School Raynehurst Primary Primary Physical Disability (PD) School Thamesview Secondary Physical Disability (PD)

In addition to these provisions, the National Autistic Society run the Helen Allison School which is an independent residential school boys and girls aged 5 to 19 years with an autism spectrum disorder. The main school is located in Meopham whilst the post 16 department and residential units are located in Gravesend.

7.1.4 School Attendance When analysing the statistics in regards to attendance, it is apparent that Gravesham’s figures are very similar to the local and national levels.

When considering levels of unauthorised absences (daily level) Gravesham compares less favourably against near neighbours Dartford, the south east and national averages as can be seen in Fig. 15 below. However, in the year 2006-07 the increase of unauthorised absence was much smaller than that shown in the other categories.

Fig. 15 Unauthorised absences in schools

Area Sept 2005-Aug Sept 2006-Aug % Change 2006 2007 Gravesham 1.02% 1.11% 0.09 Dartford 0.42% 0.70% 0.28 South East Average 0.69% 0.88% 0.19 National Average 0.78% 0.98% 0.2

70 LDF: Education and Skills Baseline Report [Gravesham Borough Council - July 2009] 71 LDF: Education and Skills Baseline Report [Gravesham Borough Council - July 2009]

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 45 [August 2009] Page 53

Frequent absenteeism can have a proven impact on the achievements of pupils. It is therefore important to analyse the rates of persistent absenteeism (pupils missing 20% or more of school). Fig. 16 below highlights the rates of those children based outside of Gravesham but attending schools in the borough, those based in and attending schools in Gravesham and the average rate across Kent for 2005-06.

Fig. 16 Percentage of pupils missing 20% or more of secondary school 2005-06

What can be seen is that rates of persistent absenteeism is higher for pupils who live in Gravesham (5.8%) than it is for those who solely go to school there (5.2%) and only slightly higher than the Kent average (5.6%).

7.1.5 School Exclusions It is clear from analysing the chart below that Gravesham has a leading position within the KCC area for permanent exclusions.

Fig. 17 Permanent exclusions between 01/09/2002 and 31/09/2003 sorted by district and year group

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 46 [August 2009] Page 54

It is evident from Fig. 17 that along with near neighbour Swale, Gravesham leads the way for total student exclusions. However, when analysing the table more closely against the categorised age groups, what is interesting is the disproportionate number of pupils that are being excluded from Gravesham schools at Key Stage 4 (14-16 years old). Indeed if only Key Stages 1-3 were considered, Gravesham would be in fifth place across the KCC area for total exclusions. Swale’s permanent exclusions maintain a steady number across the various groups but Gravesham’s figure of 36 student exclusions at Key Stage 4 is over 40% higher than near neighbours Swale and results in overall equal highest place.

7.1.6 Attainment As a crucial part of the Kent Thameside regeneration project outlined in paragraph 1.3 of this report, it is recognised that in order for Gravesham to meet the demand for skills and qualifications required by employers, raising aspirations in schools and education will be critical. According to the Thames Gateway Skills Plan, 60% of the new jobs that will be created in the area will require skills at level 3 (A-Level and equivalent).72 Even more profound is the knowledge that the economic development will be created next to identified areas of deprivation and underachievement.

Within that context, before this report analyses the broader spectrum of skills in the resident population, it will concentrate on attainment at GCSE and A-Level standards.

Appendix 9 outlines the most recently announced (at the time of writing) GCSE results (2008) and provides a picture of achievement across the various wards of Gravesham. Specifically it charts the percentages of pupils gaining five or more A*-C grade GCSE’s and as can be seen the best results can be found in Central (97.9%) and Pelham (98%) wards.

Of more value as a comparative at Appendix 9, these latest GCSE results are set against the equivalent GCSE results in 1997. As can be seen, when looking at those students who have achieved five or more A*-C grade GCSE’s all but one of the wards (Central) in Gravesham has experienced a rise in results since 1997. Indeed some wards saw large improvements in the results, the largest of which Riverview (48.7%) rose at almost double the Gravesham average.

On a wider comparative, Gravesham is slightly below the England average for pupils achieving five or more A*-C grade GCSE’s and is almost 4% below the KCC area average. However, what is notable is the extent to which Gravesham has closed the gap over the period. Gravesham has increased its percentage by 24.8% as opposed to England at 20.2%.

Also evident from Appendix 9 is Gravesham’s performance when considering the two categories of ‘pupils gaining five or more A*-G grade GCSE’s’ and ‘Any Passes’. Gravesham has a stronger average for 2008 than the KCC districts, south east England and national averages.

72 Learning and Skills Strategy [Kent Thameside - 2009] ( www.kent-thameside.co.uk )

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At A-Level and equivalent standard, Appendix 10 outlines figures supplied by the Department for Children Schools and Families for 2007 representing Gravesham’s schools. The results are compared against the equivalent scores from 2006 providing a year on year picture. The average point scores in the tables include;

• GCE A levels • GCE AS levels • VCE A levels • VCE AS levels • VCE Double Awards • Key Skills at Level 3 • International Baccalaureate • Advanced Extension Awards • VRQs at Level 3 • NVQs at Level 3 • Other vocational qualifications at Level 3 • Any Other qualifications at Level 3

Gravesham has a wide mix of schools from independent to foundation schools and as Appendix 10 outlines there are a wide variety of attainment results. Northfleet Technical College has the lowest total with an average score of 469.3 per student whereas Gravesham Grammar School for Girls is the top ranked in terms of average score per student with 847.2.

However, when analysing these results in more detail it is apparent that progress across the schools also varies considerably. For example Northfleet Technical College, despite having the lowest average score, showed over a 130 point increase between 2006-2007 whereas St George’s Church of England school showed a 115 point fall per student over the same period.

When analysing these results on a wider scale against the GCSE results, Gravesham appears to follow the national pattern. Gravesham Grammar School for Boys has very similar results to its Girls counterpart at GCSE level. However, as Appendix 10 makes clear the gap widens considerably when reviewing comparative results at Level-3 QCA as the girls outscore the boys on average by 153.7 points per student.

Also of note and of key importance to the Kent Thamside project, is the gap within Gravesham between the number of people achieving Level 2 (GCSE’s) and those achieving Level 3 (A-Level’s). Based on figures in 2005, only 41% of residents in Gravesham had a level 3 qualification by the age of 19. 73 Although this figure is likely to have subsequently risen, it is still considerably less than those attaining five or more A*-C grade GCSE’s. Although the concept of this reduced figure is not unusual as some people secure employment rather than continue in education, the size of the difference suggests there may be a lack of aspiration among young people in Gravesham or a lack of understanding about the opportunities for personal development. Clearly given the volume of employment opportunities that are to be delivered within Kent Thameside that require Level 3 qualifications, addressing this issue is an important priority for the borough.

73 Learning and Skills Strategy [Kent Thameside - 2009] ( www.kent-thameside.co.uk )

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7.2 Higher and Further Education

7.2.1 Overview Gravesham currently has low levels of achievement and low levels of aspiration within its workforce. As outlined in paragraph 1.3, the Kent Thameside project is aiming to deliver 36,000 jobs to the area by 2026 the majority of which will require Level 3 qualifications or above. Specifically in Ebbsfleet Valley it is predicted that the majority of jobs that are to be created by 2016 will be knowledge-based and as such Gravesham faces a skills shortage.

Gravesham’s skill profile points to a legacy of low-skilled employment and a dependence on declining economic sectors. Gravesham has much lower levels of higher professional occupations than the south east or England averages. Conversely, Gravesham surpasses both the south east and England averages when looking at routine occupations and lower supervisory roles. For Gravesham to meet the skills challenge being presented by the Kent Thameside project and to ensure that as many of the roles go to local residents as possible, plans are being implemented to develop higher and further education in the borough. This includes the provisions to develop the North West Kent College outlined in paragraph 7.2.2 and also to further enhance the links between skills and employment through the commissioning of new employer led training programmes.

7.2.2 North West Kent College 74 North West Kent College is a large general Further Education College situated on three sites in Dartford and Gravesham. There are two main sites, one in Dartford and one in Gravesend, and a third site with specialist maritime facilities located on the bank of the River Thames in Gravesend.

The Gravesend site offers more “craft” based work and is the main College centre for work-based learning. The National Sea Training Centre and the Hall Centre (refrigeration) in Gravesend both make an important contribution to local, regional and national employers. In addition, the College also operates the Bluewater Learning Shop in partnership with the retail sector and has recently launched a Learning Shop at the Bridge development at Dartford. 75

Over the last three years the College has achieved significant growth of fulltime 16- 18 learners (from 2,892 in 2005-06 to 3,160 in 2007-08) through increased LSC funding. In 2005–06 the college had its funding increased to almost £19.5 million, an increase of over 12 percent on 2004–05. 76

The College offers a wide range of qualifications from foundation to degree level including NVQ, GCSE, GCE AS/Advanced, BTEC First and National Diplomas. It is an associate college of the University of Greenwich and operates an extensive HND programme via that link. It is one of the largest Further Education providers of work based learning in Kent and Medway.77

74 http://courses.nwkcollege.ac.uk/index.php 75 LDF: Education and Skills Baseline Report [Gravesham Borough Council - July 2009] 76 Hansard Parliamentary Questions [12 Jan 2006 : Column 829W] 77 LDF: Education and Skills Baseline Report [Gravesham Borough Council - July 2009]

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7.2.3 Adult education in Gravesham Kent County Council facilitates adult education within Gravesham across a variety of venues. The main adult education centre and the Gravesend Skills Plus centre is located in the Victoria Centre, close to Gravesend town centre. Skills Plus is one such scheme that has been designed to tackle the skills shortage in local businesses. Specifically, Skill Plus offers tailored English and maths tuition which can help businesses to develop the skills of their workforce and thereby contribute to the future economic success of the business. A number of adult education courses are also provided at Meopham School.

7.2.4 Other Educational Facilities There are a number of other educational facilities within Gravesham Borough. TBG Learning in Gravesend offers a number of ICT, business and general skills courses to adults and 16-18 year old NEETs. Pitman Training Centre 78 in Gravesend offers individual and corporate training in business, IT, office support and personal development. Key Training Services, a work based training provider with a centre in Gravesend, offers training solutions to both individuals and companies for those aged 14 and upwards in a variety of subject areas.79

7.2.5 Young People Not in Education, Employment or Training The number of Young People Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET’s) is a growing concern both within Gravesham and KCC and on a national scale. In 2008, the Learning and Skills Council South East commissioned research by Experian on the location of NEET (young people Not in Education, Employment or Training) across the KCC area.

The results of their research can be found in the location of NEET’s across the KCC area at Appendix 11. As can be seen, within Gravesham pockets of NEET’s exist in the more deprived wards within urban Gravesend and Northfleet with the numbers decreasing throughout the rural areas of the borough.

When reviewing the actual number of NEET’s in Gravesham, based on the latest data provided by Connexions Partnership Kent and Medway Ltd, Gravesham’s situation is improving. Fig. 18 outlines Gravesham’s position within the KCC area.

78 http://www.pitman-training.com/gravesend 79 LDF: Education and Skills Baseline Report [Gravesham Borough Council - July 2009]

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 50 [August 2009] Page 58

Fig.18 Rate’s of 16-18 year-olds NEET across KCC districts April 2007

NEET NEET % District Count Rate Rank Gravesham 185 5 5 Ashford 142 3.8 9 Canterbury 219 4 8 Dartford 146 4.9 6 Dover 184 4.7 7 Maidstone 271 5.2 4 Sevenoaks 78 1.9 11 Shepway 239 7.2 3 Swale 362 7.7 2 Thanet 413 8.7 1 Tonbridge and Malling 139 3.4 10 Tunbridge Wells 71 1.8 12

As at April 2007, Gravesham had a mid-ranking position of 5 th across KCC districts for the rate of NEET residents a figure slightly higher than Dartford (4.9%) but considerably less than near neighbours Swale (7.7%). At this stage, Singlewell ward (12%) was the only Gravesham ward to feature in KCC’s top-20 wards for rates of NEET residents. From April 2007, Gravesham’s figure proceeded to fall and the year end figure for 2007-08 was 155 actual NEET residents or 4.34%.

What is not yet known is the impact the current economic environment has had on the numbers of NEET residents in Gravesham. But whatever the impact, establishing training, developing skills for employment and further enhancing the long-term prospects of all residents including NEET’s will remain a priority for the borough.

Conclusion / Key Themes :

• Gravesham schools attract pupils from as far as Greater London districts and Canterbury. • Gravesham schools provide specialist services for pupils with autism, visual impairment and physical disability. • Unauthorised absences are proportionally increasing albeit at a slower rate in Gravesham than in Dartford and the national average. • Pupils who live and school in Gravesham have a higher rate of persistent absenteeism (5.8%) than the average for Kent (5.6%). • Gravesham has the equal highest total number of exclusions across KCC districts and specifically, the single highest category of exclusions at KS4 level. • Gravesham is below the KCC and national averages for pupils achieving five or more A*-C GCSE’s. • The majority of new jobs within the Kent Thameside project will require Level 3 qualifications or above.

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 51 [August 2009] Page 59

8. Health and Social Well-being

8.1 Health Care Provision

8.1.1 Overview NHS West Kent is responsible for commissioning Primary Health Services within Gravesham and also provides some direct services through clinical teams that work across the community and within Gravesham Community Hospital. GP practices within the borough are mainly concentrated in the urban areas and provide a wide range of services including minor surgery, asthmatic and diabetic clinics.

Gravesham Community Hospital has a Minor Injuries Unit, but the nearest Accident and Emergency provision is located at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford.

Access to dental care in the borough is, similarly to the GP services, concentrated heavily in the urban towns of Gravesend and Northfleet. Outside of the urban areas, there is only one dental practice which is located in the Istead Rise ward.

8.1.2 Personal Carers The number of unpaid carers in Gravesham and the volume of work they provide is on a similar level to the national averages for England. In this context, unpaid carers are those who give any help or support to family members, friends, neighbours or others because of long-term physical or mental health or disability, or problems related to old age.80

The 2001 Census indicated that Gravesham had a total of 9,048 people providing unpaid care in the borough. This figure equated to 9.5% of the resident population which is slightly ahead of ahead of the south east average (9.22%) but behind the national average (9.93%).

The Census calculated unpaid care provision against the following time categories; 1-19 hours, 20-49 hours and 50+ hours a week. The majority of Gravesham residents provided care for 1-19 hours (70%) however, 1,777 residents were providing unpaid care for 50 or more hours a week, which at 19.64% of the total number of carers is ahead of the south east average (17.64%) and again slightly below the national average (20.48%).

8.2 Health Status

8.2.1 Overview The health of local people in Gravesham is broadly aligned to the levels of the England average. Levels of deprivation and child poverty are low and male life expectancy is above average. In addition, the rate of people claiming sickness benefit because of mental health problems is lower than the England average. However, there are large scale health inequalities within the boroughs affecting primarily those people living in the most deprived wards of Northfleet North and Singlewell.

80 Census 2001 - Provision of Unpaid Care (UV21) [Office for National Statistics Provision of Unpaid]

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The three most regular causes of death amongst the population are; circulatory diseases ( Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) , stroke and other circulatory diseases) accounting for 37.7% of all deaths; cancers (26.3%); and respiratory diseases (13.2%). This reflects the Kent and national picture.81

When reviewing Gravesham residents’ perception of their own health, the picture appears to be improving. During the 2001 Census, the public were asked whether they viewed their own health as; good; fairly good; or not good. Gravesham residents responded with 69% declaring their heath as good. This was ahead of the national average of 68.75% but below the south east average of 71.49%.

In comparison, the 2008 Place Survey results indicate that Gravesham residents who viewed their own health as ‘good’ or ‘very good’ was 74.3%. Whilst this is an improvement on the 2001 Census results, it indicates that Gravesham’s improvement has not been at the same level as the national (76.6%) and the south east (79.3%) averages have both increased at a higher rate.82

The Association of Public Health Observatories produces an annual health profile to provide a snapshot of health in the area and the last for Gravesham was produced in July 2009. Over the last three years the reports have identified that the key priorities for health in Gravesham are; obesity (and related activities such as participation in sport); smoking; teenage pregnancy and tackling health inequalities. These are covered further in paragraph 8.3.

8.2.2 Life Expectancy As can be seen from Fig. 19, the current figures for life expectancy in the borough for those born between 2005-07, are 78.6 years for males and 81.9 years for females according to the ONS.

Fig. 19 – Average life expectancy for people born between 2001-03 and 2005-07

Year / Area Gravesham South East National 2001-03 m – 76.2 m – 77.4 m –76.23 f – 81.1 f – 81.6 f – 80.72 2005-07 m –78.6 m –78.9 m –77.65 f – 81.9 f – 82.7 f – 81.81 Change m – 2.4 m –1.5 m – 1.42 f – 0.8 f – 1.1 f – 1.09

When reviewing the male figures on a comparative level, Gravesham is nearly a full year ahead of the national average (77.65 years) and slightly behind the south east average (78.9 years). However, when looking at the statistics for females, the average life expectancy is very similar to the national average (81.81 years) and nearly a full year behind the south east average (82.7 years). On a more local comparative, as at 2007 Gravesham scores more favourably than near neighbours Dartford and Swale in both the female (81.6 and 81 years respectively) and the male (78.1 and 77.1 respectively) categories.

81 Health Management Summary [Kent County Council and NHS - 2006] 82 It should be noted the 2001 Census and 2008 Place Survey used different categories and have vastly different numbers of respondents. However, this comparison emphasises the progress Gravesham has made against the national and South East averages.

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 53 [August 2009] Page 61

When analysing Fig. 19 further and specifically, the change in life expectancy over the period in question (2001-03 to 2005-07), the largest improvement across all categories can be seen in Gravesham males. Following national patterns, males in Gravesham are increasing their life expectancy at a faster rate than females; however, males in Gravesham are also increasing in life expectancy at a quicker rate than males in the south east and nationally (2.4 years). From being behind in 2001- 03, this increase in life expectancy has seen Gravesham males born in 2005-07 move ahead of the national average and significantly close the gap on the south east regional average.

When reviewing life expectancy on a ward level, analysis shows that there are inequalities when considering a combined figure across male and female averages. Appendix 12 is an Arc-GIS map of average life expectancy across the various wards of Gravesham. As can be seen from the map, there are evident gaps across the wards ranging from Meopham North which has an average of 83 years through to Northfleet North which has an average of 74.6; a gap of 8.4 years.

Although this data is based on figures from 1999-2003, the inequality gap still exists, albeit on a lesser scale. The Association of Public Health Observatories’ latest Gravesham Health Profile states that life expectancy for men from the most deprived areas in Gravesham is over six years lower than for those from the least deprived areas; the gap is five years for women.

Therefore with the gap closing, improvements in tackling this gap are evident. However, this issue of inequality remains a key priority for the West Kent PCT.

8.2.3 Birth and Death Rates As has been previously discussed at paragraph 2.1.1, Gravesham has a year on year increase in population when reviewing birth and death rates. This is reflected at Fig. 20. As can be seen from Fig. 20, between 2003-07 Gravesham had a net average extra 319 births. This is the sixth highest figure across KCC districts.

However when these results are reviewed proportionally, Gravesham’s position changes considerably. The column titled ‘General Fertility Rate’ of Fig. 20 outlines the birth rate per 1000 women. Gravesham has the highest proportional birth rate across KCC districts (66.9), slightly ahead of near neighbours Dartford (66.4) and considerably higher than the south east region (60.8) and national averages (61.9).

The crude death rate of Gravesham for 2007 at 9.2 per 1000 of the population is just slightly lower than the national average of 9.3.

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 54 [August 2009] Page 62

Fig. 20 – KCC Birth and Death rates 2003-07 83

KCC Area Average 5 year General Fertility Crude Death birth – death rate Rate 2007 Rate 2007 change Gravesham 319 66.9 9.2 Ashford 393 63.1 8.5 Canterbury -236 42.2 10.7 Dartford 392 66.4 8.6 Dover -88 61.6 11.5 Maidstone 351 64.5 9.3 Sevenoaks 238 58.9 9.1 Shepway -134 61.5 11.5 Swale 322 64.7 9.6 Thanet -356 66.3 12.9 Tonbridge and 416 61.4 7.9 Malling Tunbridge Wells 243 63.7 9.4 Kent - 61.1 9.9 South East - 60.8 9.1 England and - 61.9 9.3 Wales

8.3 Identified Health Priorities

8.3.1 Obesity Obesity is an increasing problem nationally as well as on a local level. According to the Association of Public Health Observatories’ latest Gravesham Health Profile, 25.7% of Gravesham adults are obese; this is higher than the national average and leaves Gravesham almost within the bottom quartile of districts nationally. On a local level, Gravesham’s current figure is bettered by Dartford (24.8%) but near neighbours Swale’s figure of 26.5% leaves them in the bottom quartile of districts nationally.

Obesity however, is not confined to adults in Gravesham. The percentage of children who are overweight or obese has also risen in the last 10 years. Again using the Association of Public Health Observatories’ latest Gravesham Health Profile, Gravesham currently has 9.6% of children in Reception year who are classified as obese. When compared to Dartford and Swale the situation is reversed to that of adults. Swale performs best with the lowest figure of 8.8% and thereby reverses the trend seen in adults, Dartford scores worst with 10% of children classed as overweight or obese.

There are a variety of factors that contribute to the levels of obesity in Gravesham. One such factor is the level of physical activity. Gravesham’s position nationally for physical activity is worse amongst children, as it is below also both the national and regional average. Amongst adults, physical activity is on a similar level to the national and regional average. In addition, healthy eating amongst adults in the borough (24.7%) is also below the national (26.3%) and regional averages.

83 Births and Deaths in Kent [Kent County Council 2007]

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As a result of the levels of obesity, it is somewhat surprising that the levels of people who suffer early deaths through heart disease or a stroke is below the national average in Gravesham, albeit it is higher than the regional average. Indeed, the levels of people suffering these diseases has fallen year on year since 2001 and has been below the national average since 1997.

Although related deaths may be decreasing, further evidence of the effects of obesity and the adopted lifestyle of Gravesham residents can be found when reviewing the numbers of people who have been admitted to hospital for Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) or Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG). Fig. 21 and 22 below set out these admissions over the period April 2002 to March 2008.84 What is immediately evident from the tables is that there has been a significant increase in admissions across the two categories of the time period in question.

Fig. 21 Hospital admissions: CHD

Year Total April 2002 to March 2003 661 April 2003 to March 2004 762 April 2004 to March 2005 853 April 2005 to March 2006 1016 April 2007 to March 2008 1190 April 2006 to March 2007 1129

Fig. 22 Hospital admissions: CABG

Year Total April 2002 to March 2003 87 April 2003 to March 2004 110 April 2004 to March 2005 138 April 2005 to March 2006 118 April 2006 to March 2007 146 April 2007 to March 2008 134

Fig. 23 below takes this analysis further by comparing the percentage rate of increase in Gravesham admissions between April 2002 and March 2008 against regional and national levels.

Fig. 23 Percentage change of hospital admissions (CHD / CABG) April 2002 – March 2008

Illness Gravesham (%) South East (%) National (%) CHD 80 36.7 36 CABG 54 41.8 38

Fig. 23 clearly sets out the high proportional increases in hospital admissions of these two illnesses. Both illnesses in Gravesham see higher rises than regional and national equivalents. Strikingly, hospital admissions through CHD actually saw over double the rate of increase in Gravesham compared with regional and national equivalents over the period in question.

84 Hospital Admissions Summary Statistics 2002-2008 [Office for National Statistics]

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Another related disease associated with obesity is diabetes. There are currently over 4,100 people diagnosed with diabetes in the borough 85 , approximately 4.19% of all residents. Whilst this is in line with the national average, it is some way above the regional average. Interestingly, on a local level the figures for diagnosed diabetes follow the same trend as the obesity levels found in adults. Dartford has a lower diagnoses rate with 3.8% and Swale has the highest proportion with 4.4% which, just as with the classification of obese adults, leaves Swale in the bottom quartile nationally. This related trend between the two categories suggests a direct correlation between obesity and the levels of people diagnosed with diabetes.

Based on the emergency admission rate for diabetes, there are clear divides between the quintiles of deprivation across Gravesham. The Kent Public Health Observatory recorded admissions between 2004-2007 and found that of the five quartiles of deprivation which make up the total Gravesham population, the bottom three quartiles (i.e. 60% of the population) had average figures far in excess of both the West Kent PCT and Kent averages. The final two quartiles (i.e. 40% least deprived residents in Gravesham) were evidently far below the average. Theories that can be drawn from this are that poor health is strongly correlated with poverty.

This increased strain on the NHS has lent tackling obesity to be a top priority for the West Kent PCT. To address the issue, a variety of initiatives have been implemented and are being carried out in partnership between numerous stakeholders. Further information on the Kent wide strategic initiatives can be found in the KCC and NHS Health Management Summary 2006.

Specifically Gravesham led projects include, developing an obesity fitness programme for young people, a series of healthy eating initiatives delivered via Gravesham’s Gr@nd project (see paragraph 8.3.4) and an Active Gravesham action plan for all residents. Through these initiatives, levels of child obesity have fallen in the last year, but this remains a key priority for all stakeholders.

8.3.2 Smoking Smoking in Gravesham is a significant issue. The number of adults who smoke (27.8%) is higher than both the regional average and national average (24.1%) and sees Gravesham positioned in the worst performing quartile nationally. Across the KCC area, the highest prevalence of smokers is found in Swale residents with 29.4% prevalence with the lowest rate found in Sevenoaks at 19.8%. Dartford also performed poorly in this category and their total of 28.5% saw Dartford also rated in the bottom quartile nationally.

It is estimated that smoking related hospital admissions account for an expenditure of £26million in Kent. Within West Kent PCT, of which Gravesham is part, the expenditure is £12,740,000.86 However, within Kent the trend for smoking is decreasing. The smoking ban of July 2007 and the continued development of the smoking cessation services within the PCTs have aided in the downward trend by a further two or three percentage points. Despite this, there remains a strong relationship between deprivation and smoking in Kent indicating a positive correlation between ward level deprivation and smoking prevalence in the Kent County Council area.87

85 Gravesham Health Profile 2009 [Association of Public Health Observatories - 2009] 86 Health Management Summary 2006 [Kent County Council and NHS - 2006] 87 Health Management Summary 2006 [Kent County Council and NHS - 2006]

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When carrying out ward level analysis within Gravesham specifically, it can be seen that six of the electoral wards (33.3%) actually have an estimated smoking prevalence of over 30%. Appendix 13 outlines an Arc-GIS map of smoking prevalence across the various wards of Gravesham. Based on the Community Health Profiles produced by the Department of Health for 2006, Coldharbour is the ward with the highest percentage of smokers with almost 40% and the lowest is Meopham North with 15%, proportionally less than half the percentage of Coldharbour.

Although the rate of smoking amongst adults is higher than both the national and regional average, the actual number of deaths attributed to smoking in Gravesham (144 or 202.1 deaths per 100,000 of the population) is actually less than the national average (210.2 deaths per 100,000 of the population). However, Gravesham’s figure of attributable deaths was again higher than the regional average. Comparatively, Gravesham’s proportional score was however better placed than Dartford (211.1 deaths per 100,000 of the population) and Swale (231.6 deaths per 100,000 of the population). Fig. 24 below outlines these figures in more details across KCC districts.

Fig. 24 Directly age standardised mortality rates of death attributable to smoking in KCC Districts 2005-2007 88

There are numerous related illnesses that are attributable to smoking which, based on hospital admissions during the financial year 2005-06, cost £1,904,589. One such long-term condition is cancer. When viewed over a prolonged period, Gravesham has closely tracked the national average for early death rates attributable to cancer. Between 2001-03, Gravesham’s mortality rate was actually higher than the national equivalent. However since 2004 Gravesham has been at a slightly lower rate.

88 KCC Districts Health Profiles 2009 [Association of Public Health Observatories - 2009]

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Based on figures from the Association of Public Health Observatories Gravesham Health Profile 2009, 121 people died from cancer in 2008 (114.1 deaths per 100,000 of the population) which is slightly less than the national average (115.5 per 100,000 of the population) but more than the regional average.

Given these figures therefore, smoking and its associated illnesses remain a high priority for the West Kent PCT and related stakeholders. Indeed, reducing the mortality rate from all circulatory and cancers at ages under 75 are priorities for both local bodies and at county level as part of the delivery of the Kent Agreement 2. 89

8.3.3 Teenage Pregnancy Reducing the rate of teenage pregnancy remains a high priority for Gravesham. Between January and December 2004 Gravesham‘s teenage conception rate hit a peak of 42.7 per 1,000 of the under-18 female population. The year on year figures can be seen at Fig. 25 below.

Fig. 25 Teenage conception rate per 1,000 of the female population 2004-0990

Year Gravesham National 2004 42.7 41.6 2005 38.3 41.3 2006 34.2 40.6 2007 38.4 42.1 2008 N/A N/A 2009 35.8 41.2

Since its peak in 2004, Gravesham’s rate has declined steadily by just over 16% whilst the national rate has maintained a steady figure. When compared to the regional average, Gravesham has been consistently higher than the south east average although this gap is closing in part due to the good work carried out by The Gr@nd Project (see paragraph 8.3.4). On a local level, teenage pregnancy is more prevalent when comparing near neighbours Dartford (40.7 per 1,000) and Swale (50.2 per 1,000) whose figure was scored in the bottom quartile nationally.

For a ward level analysis, Appendix 14 is a map highlighting teenage conceptions in Gravesham 2002-04. 91 Although relatively old, this data still provides a worthwhile comparison in understanding links between teenage conception and other inequalities in the borough. What is evident is that during the period in question, half of the wards had a rate of 0-25 per 1,000 of the female population. Northfleet North had the highest level of teenage conception across the wards in Gravesham with a rate of 75-100.

8.3.4 Support Groups Throughout Gravesham there are a wide variety of support groups available both to the public and also to support actual carers in the community.

One such area of business is assistance for elderly residents. In the recent Place Survey, residents were asked if support was given to older people to continue living in their homes. Gravesham’s score of 32.9% was beaten only by Shepway (33.5%) and Dover (33.1%) throughout KCC districts.

89 http://www.kentpartnership.org.uk/kent-agreement-2.asp 90 Office for National Statistics 2004-2006 and Gravesham Health Profiles 2007-2009 [NHS West Kent PCT] 91 Gravesham Inequalities Profile 2008 [Kent Public Health Observatory - 2008]

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 59 [August 2009] Page 67

This score reflects the community projects that are in place across the borough. One such project is the Home Support Scheme administered by the North West Kent Council for Voluntary Services. It aims to put people first and works on a non-profit basis to provide services such as washing, ironing, cooking etc for elderly residents to encourage continuation in their own homes.

A selection of the support groups is outlined below;

• Alzheimer's and Dementia Support Services (Northfleet) ADSS is a registered charity and its operational area is Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley. It has developed specialist services to support both people suffering from dementia and also their carers. ADSS prime aim is to support people with dementia to remain in their own homes.

• Area Benefits Service (Gravesend) A consultancy benefits advice service for workers from Social Services and voluntary organisations and carers, which aims to help to teach and empower in benefits issues and also offers tribunal representation.

• Family Matters (Gravesend) Family Matters helps anyone who has been sexually abused at any age and offers support to their families and partners.

• Hands Scheme - Gravesham Volunteer Bureau (Gravesend) This scheme offers practical help such as gardening, decorating, and DIY etc to elderly or disabled people who have no other means of getting work completed.

• Kasbah (Northfleet) The Kent Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus

• North West Kent Council for Voluntary Service (Gravesend) NWKCVS exists to assist local voluntary groups in their aims and objectives by providing a whole range of free or low-cost support services.

• St Peters Nursing Home (Northfleet) Offers residential and nursing care for elderly people with mental health difficulty or dementia. Long-term care, holidays or short stays can be provided.

• The BG's Breast Cancer Support Group (Gravesend) A support and advice group for people with breast cancer, their carers, family and friends.

• The Gr@nd (Gravesend) The Gr@nd works with young people, developing an active listening service; providing a special weekly teenage sexual health service; providing diversionary activities for younger people and continuing to focus on addressing issues of obesity, diet, nutrition and exercise. In addition, provides ‘Silver Surfers’ programme for older people to learn and develop skills in ICT.

• Time to Listen (Gravesend) Provides a non-evangelical listening service by trained listeners.

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Conclusion / Key Themes :

• The number of unpaid carers and the hours they provide is higher in Gravesham than the south east average. • Public perception of health in Gravesham as being ‘good’ or ‘very good’ is below the south east and national level. • Recent health profiles from the Association of Public Health Observatories identify obesity, smoking and teenage pregnancy as key priorities for Gravesham. • Male life expectancy in Gravesham is ahead of the national average and also increasing at a faster rate than both the south east and national averages. • Meopham North (83) has the highest average life expectancy and Northfleet North (74.6) the lowest amongst Gravesham wards. • Gravesham has the highest proportional birth rate across KCC districts (66.9 per 1,000 females). • CHD admissions in Gravesham have increased by 80% between April 2002 and March 2008. • The rate of diabetes diagnosis is higher in Gravesham than in the south east. • Levels of smoking are higher in Gravesham than both the local and national levels (27.8%). • Gravesham has a higher rate of teenage pregnancies than the south east average. However, the gap is closing and since 2004-09 there has been a 16% reduction in part due to the support and advice delivered by The Gr@nd Project.

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 61 [August 2009] Page 69

9. Economic Well-being

9.1 Economic Background

9.1.1 Economic Overview As has been mentioned previously in this report, Gravesham’s skill profile points to a legacy of low-skilled employment and a dependence on declining economic sectors, specifically manufacturing. Gravesham has much lower levels of higher professional occupations than the south east or England averages.

However, Gravesham’s role in the Kent Thameside regeneration project will change the focus of the local economy. Aside from the redevelopment of Gravesend town centre, one of the key economic projects for the area will be the delivery of Ebbsfleet station. This will offer a unique combination of new national and international accessibility via the opening of Ebbsfleet International, High Speed domestic rail services, Fastrack and other public transport provision. Importantly, Ebbsfleet will also create a wealth of new job opportunities for the Gravesham residents. Wider details on the transport element of the Ebbsfleet project are discussed at paragraph 4.1.4.

Alongside the need for improved skills in the borough as outlined in paragraph 7.1.6, there is a recognised need to develop a more entrepreneurial culture across Kent Thameside by supporting the formation and survival rates of small businesses and enabling the provision of affordable business space. 92

These are future aspirations as part of the Kent Thameside regeneration project. This report will now focus on the current position of Gravesham’s economic well-being.

9.2 Economic Well-being – Individuals

9.2.1 Levels of Deprivation When considering the well-being of a district, one measure that is often initially referred to is the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) constructed by the Social Disadvantage Research Centre at the University of Oxford. The latest IMD study in 2007 consisted of a variety of domains each with their own weighting contributing to the overall end score;

• Income (22.5%) • Employment (22.5%) • Health Deprivation and Disability (13.5%) • Education, Skills and Training (13.5%) • Barriers to Housing and Services (9.3%) • Crime (9.3%) • Living Environment (9.3%)

Each IMD domain is scored at Lower Super Output Area (LSOA) which sit within individual electoral ward boundaries. As a whole, Gravesham is rated above the national average across the total IMD. However, the overall score obscures the fact that there is a large disparity among the various wards.

92 Kent Thameside Regeneration Framework [Kent Thameside]

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Appendix 15 provides a map of the overall IMD results for Gravesham coloured to reflect the relevant position across KCC. What are evident within the map are the extremes in the results and the differing levels of deprivation across the borough. Gravesham has rural areas that fall within the top 20% of least deprived areas in the KCC area. Conversely, within Gravesham’s urban towns, there are a number of areas that sit within the bottom 20% of KCC districts. Indeed, some LSOA’s within Riverside, Northfleet North and South, Central, Westcourt and Singlewell fall within the 20% most deprived areas nationally.

As can be seen from the weighting listed above, employment forms an integral part of the overall IMD score. When concentrating on the employment domain within the IMD 2007, Appendix 16 reveals some interesting results which appear to support the divisions outlined in overall IMD score. There are LSOA’s of Northfleet North, Central, Westcourt, Singlewell and Riverside within the top 20% of deprived employment areas nationally. Conversely, Meopham North and South are however within the top 80 least deprived wards within the KCC area.

9.2.2 Resident Wages The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings measures earnings by area of workplace and by area of residence. The last such survey was carried out in 2007 and the results are outlined in Fig. 26 below.

Specifically, Fig. 26 provides a comparison of gross median weekly resident earnings across the various KCC districts between 2002-07 and the applicable percentage change over this period.

Fig. 26 KCC districts resident gross median weekly earnings (Full-time) 2002-07 93

District 2002 2007 % Change Gravesham £425.50 £472.50 11.05% Ashford £413.50 £445.20 7.66% Canterbury £395.30 £439.90 11.28% Dartford £466.50 £526.10 12.78% Dover £379.80 £483.70 27.36% Maidstone £422.10 £517.30 22.55% Sevenoaks £444.60 £557.60 25.42% Shepway £356.60 £409.50 14.83% Swale £404.70 £476.70 17.79% Thanet £352.70 £424.70 20.41% Tonbridge and Malling £418.50 £525.20 25.50% Tunbridge Wells £439.00 £568.40 29.48%

The median is the value of the mid-point in a ranked sample; so if 101 people were st sampled and their earnings ranked, the median would be the earnings of the 51 person in the sample. The median is now the preferred standard measure for earnings because a small number of people, on very high earnings located in the least deprived areas, often inflate the average giving a misleading view of the overall earnings level within a particular area.

93 Forecast of Kent’s Resident Workforce [Kent County Council 2008]

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Against this context, as can be seen from Fig. 26 the highest resident gross median weekly earnings in 2007 are evident in Tunbridge Wells (£568.40) with the lowest being in Shepway (£409.50), a difference of 38.8%. This compares to a difference of 32.27% in 2002 when Dartford had the highest vale (£466.50) and Thanet (£352.70). These figures suggest that on a countywide basis, the earnings gap between the districts and thereby those earning the most and those earning the least, has increased over the period.

In regards to individual districts, Gravesham’s resident wage earnings saw the borough ranked in 8 th place across KCC districts in 2007 with £472.50 which is above the national average (£462.60) but below the KCC area average (£492.90). This rank contrasts with the position of 4 th in 2002. This is further reflected in the percentage change between 2002 and 2007, the final column in Fig. 26, where only Ashford have a lower percentage increase in resident gross median weekly earnings over the period. On closer inspection of KCC’s – Forecast of Kent’s Resident Workforce report of July 2008, Gravesham’s ranking throughout the period has been inconsistent from a high in 2006 (£515.90), with Gravesham ranked 2 nd across KCC districts, to the 2007 position of 8 th (£472.50) which saw an actual fall of 8.41% in resident gross median earnings.

Fig. 27 below further emphasises this point by charting Gravesham’s KCC area ranking for resident gross median earnings compared to near neighbours Dartford and Swale between 2002-07. As can be seen from the table, Gravesham’s ranking is more inconsistent than Dartford and Swale but despite fluctuations has a negative trend as the period progresses.

Fig. 27 Gravesham’s KCC district ranking for resident gross median earnings 2002-07 94

94 (1 = highest earnings)

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In terms of resident finances, this report has concentrated on median resident wages. To provide a broader context the report will now review total household income across Gravesham. Household income as a measure in this instance considers the combined income of every member of the household including; investments, benefits and pensions – net of; taxes, insurance contributions, domestic rates/council tax, which is then adjusted to take account of household size and composition.95

In the following analysis, household income is also calculated net of housing costs, including; rent (gross of housing benefit), water rates and charges, mortgage interest payments, structural insurance premiums, ground rent and service charges. Against those variables, Appendix 17 outlines a map showing net household income following deductions for housing costs across the KCC area for 2004-05. What can be seen once again is the striking difference between areas in urban Gravesham and those in rural areas. Both Meopham wards are included in the top 20% across KCC wards for household income after costs are considered, whereas there are areas along the Thames that fall into KCC’s bottom 20% districts. This suggests there may be a disproportionate effect on income from housing costs and therefore raises the issue of housing affordability.

9.2.3 Economic Inactivity The economic downturn has, as with many other areas, had a negative impact on the economy of Gravesham and specifically the levels of unemployment. On a county level, the KCC area unemployment rate is currently 3.2% and remains below the national rate of 4.1%. All districts within KCC have seen rates of unemployment increase over the last year.

Fig. 28 below outlines the total number and rates of unemployment across the various KCC districts. What is evident is that Gravesham, as of July 2009, has the second highest rate of unemployment across KCC districts with 4.3%, 0.8% ahead of near neighbours Dartford and a 0.5% ahead of Swale. However Gravesham, despite being the second ranked, is still a full 1.2% lower than Thanet (5.5%). The lowest rate of unemployment is in Tonbridge and Malling (2.2%), 2.1% lower than Gravesham.

Fig. 28 Summary of unemployment across the KCC area 96

District July 2008 July 2009 Total % Change Unemployment Change % Rate Gravesham 1393 2,568 1,175 84.4 4.3 Ashford 879 1,865 986 112.2 2.8 Canterbury 1168 2,281 1,113 95.3 2.5 Dartford 883 1,976 1,093 123.8 3.5 Dover 1252 2,136 884 70.6 3.5 Maidstone 1039 2,397 1,358 130.7 2.7 Sevenoaks 517 1,454 937 181.2 2.1 Shepway 1407 2,290 883 62.8 4.0 Swale 1597 3,017 1,420 88.9 3.8 Thanet 2378 3,970 1,592 66.9 5.5 Tonbridge 669 1,683 1,014 151.6 2.4 and Malling Tunbridge 545 1,409 864 158.5 2.2 Wells

95 Earnings, Income and Housing Affordability in Kent [Kent County Council - 2007] 96 Monthly District Unemployment Bulletin July 2009 [Kent County Council - 2009]

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The largest percentage increases over the past year can be seen in Sevenoaks (181.2%), Tunbridge Wells (158.5%) and Tonbridge and Malling (151.6%). However, these numbers are put into context when considering that these districts have traditionally low levels of deprivation and therefore the starting baseline figures for unemployment in each district were on average only 24% of Thanet’s own figure in July 2008. Conversely Gravesham, despite having the second highest rate of unemployment, has had only the 9 th highest percentage increase over the period which alludes to the higher starting baseline figure.

When conducting ward level analysis, the increase in the percentage of people who are unemployed compared to July 2008 varies considerably across the different wards. Appendix 18 to this report outlines this change along with other relevant data that applies to unemployment figures across Gravesham.

As can be seen from Appendix 18, the three highest increases in unemployment between July 2008-09, each of which are over 200%, have come in Meopham North (281.3%), Meopham South and Vigo (226.3%) and Higham (210%). It is worth noting that the low starting baseline of these wards has meant that any increase will have a more dramatic effect on percentages. Similarly, the high starting baseline of Northfleet North ward means that their unemployment rise of 94, more than double any of the three previously listed wards, is actually only a 50.8% rise on last year, the smallest increase in Gravesham.

There are five wards whose total increase over the year has seen over 100 extra people declared unemployed; Riverside (130), Westcourt (117), Pelham (112), Northfleet South (107) and Singlewell (104). The lowest actual increase came in Chalk (15). This increase over the last year has had the end result of six of the wards having over 200 people unemployed, a figure matched only by Thanet across KCC.

The most recognised measure of unemployment, the percentage rate, now shows three wards as having over 6% of people unemployed. Riverside ward which has the largest actual number of people unemployed and has also had the largest increase in the actual number of unemployed over the last year also has the highest rate of unemployment (6.9%). This rate is followed by Westcourt (6.4%) and Pelham (6.2%). Currently the lowest percentage rate of unemployment is found in rural Gravesham; Shorne, Cobham and Luddesdown (2.1%).

Unemployment can also be measured by age and by occupation. Between May 2008 and May 2009, Gravesham experienced a total rise of 2.02% in unemployment across all ages. In terms of age categories, the highest proportional increase has been seen in the group aged 24 or under which contributed 28.71% of the total increase over the period. This pattern was followed across the majority of KCC districts including Dartford and Swale. Gravesham saw a progressive decline in the numbers of unemployed as the age profile increased with the oldest group, 55-60+, contributing the least number to the total annual rise (8.91%).97

When considering unemployment by occupation, the category to suffer the heaviest losses between May 2008 and May 2009 was the ‘Elementary Occupations’ sector (storeman, warehouse assistants etc). Once again this followed the regional pattern. The category to suffer proportionally the least number of losses of the period was ‘Personal Service’ occupations (care assistants, playgroup leaders etc).98

97 The change in unemployment by age in Kent, May 2008 to May 2009 [Kent County Council - 2009] 98 Unemployment change in Kent by occupation - May 2008 to May 2009 [Kent County Council - 2009]

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9.2.4 Benefits As at February 2009, within Gravesham there were 8,940 claimants for any benefit provided by the Department for Work and Pensions.99 These benefits are calculated across seven categories including; Job Seekers Allowance (JSA), Incapacity Benefits, Lone Parents Benefits and Disability Benefits. Gravesham’s total claimants account for 15% of the total resident working age population, which is a higher rate than the south east (11.3%) but below the British level (15.7%).

Currently the largest category for total claims is Incapacity Benefits which account for 3,560 or 6% of the entire resident working age population of Gravesham. This again is above the south east rate (4.7%) but below the British value (7%).

In regards to ages of claimants, Gravesham follows a similar theme except in the category of those aged 50 or over. This category of the community accounts for 17.2% of all benefit claims which is actually a higher rate than the national average of 15.4%. Given the 55-60+ group have contributed the lowest figure to the rise in unemployment (paragraph 9.2.3); this suggests a possible reliance on alternative benefits. This situation is not confined to Gravesham and indeed, the south east average is slightly higher at 17.7%.

On a more local level, Gravesham Borough Council administers a range of benefits relating to housing and council tax. Examples of the benefits are found below;

• Council Tax Benefit – This benefit reduces the bill of a resident if they are responsible for paying the Council Tax for a property; and are normally resident in the property; and if the resident or partner have savings of less than £16,000. Council tax benefit is calculated using set government rules and is issued on a sliding scale against the banding and charge of a property, weekly income, savings and if anyone else lives in the specific property.

• Second Adult Rebate – This benefit is available to those residents who share their home with one or more adults who are not liable to pay Council Tax, not a spouse or partner (If the claimant lives alone they can obtain a discount of 25 per cent) not a joint tenant or owner of the property, not paying the claimant any rent, on a low income or not "disregarded" for Council Tax purposes. It does not matter what your income or savings are. Only the level of income and savings of the "Second Adult" are used to calculate any entitlement. The amount of Second Adult Rebate depends on the combined gross income of any Second Adults.

• Rent Rebate – This housing benefit is available to local authority tenants who are liable to paying rent and occupy the property. Rent rebate is again a means tested benefit.

• Local Housing Allowance – This housing benefit was introduced in 2008 to work out new claims for benefits from tenants who rent in the private sector. With Local Housing Allowance, the benefit is not usually based on the property itself. It is usually based on; who lives with the claimant, location of the property, how much money the claimant has coming in and what savings are evident. In some cases the amount of benefit will be affected by other things including; how much the rent is and whether anyone living with the claimant is expected to contribute to the rent.

99 https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/la/2038431808/report.aspx?town=gravesham#tabwab

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Between Aug 2001-08 the volume of benefits cases administered by Gravesham Borough Council increased from 7,349 to 8,088, a rise of 10.06%, or alternatively, an average year on year increase of 105 cases. Fig. 29 below outlines the increase in benefit cases in more detail.

Fig. 29 Benefit cases administered by Gravesham Borough Council between August 2001-08

Annual Year Benefit Cases Increase Aug-01 7349 - Aug-02 6420 -929 Aug-03 6985 565 Aug-04 7421 436 Aug-05 7825 404 Aug-06 7911 86 Aug-07 7894 -17 Aug-08 8088 194 Total 59893 739 Average 7487 106

Interestingly, between 2001-07, the number of benefit cases increased from 7,349 to 7,894 an increase of 545 cases or 7.42%. However during the same period, as outlined in paragraph 2.1.1, the population of the borough increased from 95,717 to a projected 98,000, an estimated increase of 2,283 or 2.39%.

9.2.5 Financial Stress The Mosaic tool has been designed by Experian to profile the characteristics of the UK population. It uses data from many sources to classify each household in the UK into one of 61 types. Each type exhibits different demographics, behaviour and lifestyles.

One of the factors considered by Mosaic is the level of financial stress of each of the types. Mosaic identifies five levels of stress, very low, low, medium, high and very high. For the context of this report, we examined the types who are likely to suffer very high or high levels of stress.100

To establish how many people in Gravesham are likely to suffer from financial stress, the population of each of the Mosaic types identified within the borough was aggregated and compared to the total population of each ward. At Appendix 19 you will find an Arc-GIS map that reflects these results.

As evident, financial stress as defined by Experian is not prevalent across much of Gravesham, certainly in the rural areas this is the case. However, the greatest concentration is, like other KCC districts, around the urban and coastal areas. Looking at each ward, Singlewell and Northfleet North are the worst affected areas each having over 30% of people being classed as ‘financially stressed’. In addition, both Singlewell and Northfleet North wards appear in the top-20 of all KCC wards for this measurement. All figures relating to Gravesham wards are available for review at Appendix 20.

100 Earnings, Income and Housing Affordability in Kent 2007 [Kent County Council - 2007]

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9.3 Economic Well-being – Businesses

9.3.1 Overview Gravesham has traditionally been an industrial area largely focused on activities such as aggregates and cement production, metal refining, chemicals, paper, marine and electrical engineering and some riverside-related uses. These activities are concentrated on large sites along the Thames riverside.

Other than Gravesend town centre, the main centres of economic activity and employment are industrial estates such as Imperial Business Park in Gravesend and Springhead Enterprise Park in Northfleet. Meopham acts as the focus for business activity in the southern, rural part of the district. There are currently no significant office centres within the Borough although the planned Ebbsfleet development is expected to provide up to 107,000 m2 of such space in Gravesham.3

There are relatively few large firms in the Borough with only 3% of businesses having more than 50 employees and none with over 500, although this share is similar to Kent generally and nationally. Gravesham also has a high proportion (84%) of very small firms (0-9 employees), a similar level to the sub-regional and national picture.

Aside from major retailers, the largest private sector employers in Gravesham are in the manufacturing and electrical sectors and include Daletech (electrical contractors), Rodenstock (manufacture of optical equipment), Comma Oil & Chemicals, Lafarge Cement, paper manufacturers Kimberly Clark, and Britannia Refined Metals. Many of these firms occupy large riverside sites while the Port of London Authority is also a significant employer. There are no major office based employers. Significant public sector employers include Gravesham Borough Council, NHS West Kent Primary Care Trust and North West Kent College.

The main existing employment areas in Gravesham are:

• Springhead Enterprise Park – a former Enterprise Zone site adjoining the Ebbsfleet development site, and containing a range of light industrial and distribution businesses; • Northfleet Riverside – a mainly industrial area running from the eastern side of Swanscombe Peninsula through to just west of Lansdowne Square containing some of the area’s major employers (such as Seacon and Kimberly Clark) as well as the Lower Road, Ebbsfleet and Grove Road Industrial Estates. • Imperial Business and Retail Park – lying just west of Gravesend town centre, this former Enterprise Zone site contains a range of industrial units, retail warehousing and an Asda superstore; • Gravesend town centre – the main retail and service centre including administrative and some commercial offices; • Canal Basin Area – this area to east of Gravesend town centre has a range of small industrial and derelict premises; • Wharf Road/North East Gravesend – a traditional industrial area including some new development and the premises of Comma Oil; • Meopham – a collection of small industrial estates within this village including the former railway sidings, Lomer Farm Industrial Estate and Bowes Industrial Estate all of which contain a range of small, predominantly light industrial businesses; •

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• Hoo Junction – a railway freight yard and track maintenance depot in the eastern, rural part of the Borough. It is situated at the junction of the North Kent line and the Isle of Grain freight branch and contains a range of industrial businesses within the Apex Business Park, Nuralite Industrial Estate and Beckley Hill Works.

9.3.2 Number of businesses VAT registrations and deregistrations are the best official guide to the pattern of business start-ups and closures. They are an indicator of the level of entrepreneurship and of the health of the business population. As such they are used widely in regional and local economic planning.

For 2007, there were more VAT business registrations than deregistrations in the borough. Fig. 30 below shows that from 1997 to 2007 there has been a fairly steady increase in the number of VAT registered businesses in Gravesham. Across Gravesham, the south east and Great Britain, the only yearly negative numbers to report were in Gravesham between 2003-04 and 2004-05. However on a year on year average, Gravesham have increased the number of businesses by 2.73%, ahead of both the south east (2.39%) and national (2.13%) averages.

Fig. 30 VAT business registrations vs. deregistration 101

Gravesham South East GB % Year Total % increase Total % increase Total increase 1997 1995 - 257965 - 1619470 - 1998 2090 4.76 267240 3.6 1659350 2.46 1999 2170 3.82 274305 2.64 1691095 1.91 2000 2230 2.76 279960 2.06 1720480 1.74 2001 2280 2.24 284345 1.57 1741290 1.21 2002 2335 2.41 288715 1.53 1762435 1.21 2003 2405 3 294880 2.13 1799425 2.1 2004 2400 -0.2 299960 1.72 1832465 1.84 2005 2390 -0.42 305405 1.81 1870775 2.09 2006 2450 2.5 311060 1.85 1907710 1.97 2007 2540 3.67 319860 2.83 1964920 3 Average - 2.73 - 2.39 - 2.13

9.3.3 Employment by industry The traditional employment history within Gravesham has already been discussed at paragraphs 9.1.1. However, the picture is changing. Evidence of this change within Gravesham can be found when comparing employment types over a period of time. Fig. 31 outlines the change in employment by sector within Gravesham as set out in the KCC report; Annual Business Inquiry: Employee Change 1995-2007. Importantly, this report excludes Gravesham’s self-employed and those who work outside of the borough.102

101 VAT Registrations/Deregistrations by Industry [DTI Small Business Service] 102 Annual Business Inquiry: Employee Change 1995-2007. Uses non-factored baseline from Annual Employment Survey 1995 [Kent County Council - 2007]

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Fig. 31 Change in Gravesham’s employment structure between 1995-2007 103

Employment Sector 1995 2007 % Change Primary Industries 500 500 - Manufacturing 4,300 2,800 -34.8% Construction 900 2,100 133% Distribution, hotels and restaurants 6,100 6,900 13.11% Transport and communications 1,600 1,900 18.75% Banking, finance and insurance, etc 2,800 3,800 35.71% Public administration, education & health 7,600 8,100 6.58% Other services 1,100 1,200 9.09% All Industries 24,900 27,300 9.64%

On review of Fig. 31 it is evident that the manufacturing sector, which has long been Gravesham’s traditional economic base, is in decline. Indeed manufacturing, as can be seen, is the only sector to suffer a decline over the period. The largest increase both in terms of percentages and actual total figures was the construction sector which saw a 133% (1,200 jobs) increase. The overall leading sector in terms of total numbers throughout the period was ‘Public administration, education & health’ although this sector saw its share of the overall Gravesham labour market drop from 30.5% to 29.7%. However, this rate is still higher than the south east (25.5%) and national (26.9%) averages.

This report has so far concentrated on Gravesham’s internal employment structure. When considering these sectors as a whole (total all industries employment), Gravesham’s total employment has increased from 24,900 to 27,300 (9.64%) during the period.

However, when this rise is reviewed across the KCC area, it is evidently one of the lowest rises. 104 Aside from Tunbridge Wells, every other district borough within KCC had a higher rise in total employment during the period. On a more reflective note, Gravesham’s rise is within the bottom quartile of KCC districts. Near neighbours Dartford have, by some distance, the highest rise both in percentage terms and total numbers. Dartford’s position between 1995-2007 is reflected by employee increases in Distribution, Hotels & Restaurants (176.9%), Banking, Finance & Insurance (131%) and Construction (121%). 9.3.4 Town centre health When measuring the health of a town centre there are numerous indicators that can be used including retail sector floor space and the evening economy floor space. This report concentrates on retail yields and rents.

Retail yield is a strong indicator of the health of a town centre. Yield is a measure of property value that enables properties of different size, location and other characteristics to be compared. It is the ratio of rental income to capital value, and is expressed in terms of the open market rent of a property as a percentage of the capital value. Thus, the higher the yield the lower the rent is valued, and vice versa.

103 Office for National Statistics - Uses factored baseline from Annual Employment Survey 1995 104 Annual Business Inquiry: Employee Change 1995-2007. Uses non-factored baseline from Annual Employment Survey 1995 [Kent County Council - 2007]

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 71 [August 2009] Page 79

A high yield is an indication of concern by investors that rental income might grow less rapidly and be less secure than for a property with a low yield. Therefore, the most favourable conditions for retailers are indicated by the lowest yields.105

Fig. 32 below sets out the performance of retail yields in Gravesend against the Kent average between 2000-08.

Fig. 32 Gravesend town centre: retail yields compared to the Kent average 2000-08

[INSERT TABLE – KCC Town Centre Health 2008 pdf – page 6]

As can be seen from the table, retail yields in Gravesend are higher than the mean yield in Kent. Since 2004 however, the yields have become lower and now are a closer match to the Kent average. The mean yield for Kent is also gradually falling however; Gravesham’s yield has fallen at a quicker rate over the period in question.

Retail rents also reflect the health of a town centre with high rents indicating a healthy local economy. Fig. 33 below again compares Gravesend’s rent rates against the Kent average between 2000-08. As the results in Fig. 33 indicate, rents in Gravesend town centre are considerably lower than the Kent average but are gradually increasing albeit at a slightly slower rate than Kent’s average.

105 Town Centre Health Indicators Gravesend 2008 [Kent County Council - 2008]

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 72 [August 2009] Page 80

Fig. 33 Gravesend town centre: retail rents compared to the Kent average 2000-08 106

[INSERT TABLE – KCC Town Centre Health 2008 pdf – page 6]

9.3.5 Rural Economy

When reviewing the rural economy, it is apparent there are no particular shortages of business space in rural Gravesham in which demand for both office and industrial premises tends to be very small.

Many of the poorer performing business sites are located in rural areas. Although performing poorly on the assessment criteria, many of these sites appear to meet local needs for low cost space, by firms not requiring good strategic or local road access, and smaller-scale rural activities. Others appear adequate for their current use, in many cases long-established,

There is also significant potential for indigenous development of small Information & Communications Technology (ICT) businesses in the rural part of the Borough, possibly through the provision of live/work units. Overall, low/moderate growth of this sector appears likely which suggests that the current distribution of available employment space is very broadly in line with development pressures although possibly slightly underprovided for in the rural area.

Within rural Gravesham, there are currently no listed NFU food producing farms. There are however a number of mixed farming businesses concentrating on arable farming and horticulture. The only locally listed meat producing farm is based at Luddesdown Organic Farms Ltd.

There are two regular farmers’ markets in the borough. The Farmers Market is held in Gravesend High Street and is open to the public between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm on the 2nd Friday of each month. The Farmers Market started in October 2007 on a trial basis and has been supported by Gravesham Borough Council. Priority is given to producers whose business is within 30 mile radius of Gravesend.

106 Town Centre Health Indicators Gravesend 2008 [Kent County Council - 2008]

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 73 [August 2009] Page 81

Meopham Farmers Market has been operating since July 2004 in the overflow Car Park of the Meopham Fitness and Tennis Centre. The Farmers Market is held on the 1st Sunday of the month from 9.00 am to 12.30 pm. There is a wide variety of produce available including seasonal fruit and vegetables, meat, wines and juices, dairy, cakes and bread. Over 25 producers attend this popular Farmers Market. The criteria for the Farmers Market are that the person selling the produce should be involved in its production and that the produce comes from within a 30 mile radius of Meopham, or further if the produce cannot be sourced locally. 107

Key themes / Conclusions:

• Gravesham’s economy is set for large changes in light of the Kent Thameside regeneration project. • Gravesham is above the national average for IMD. However, there is a strong diversity between the wards and there are pockets of rural Gravesham within the top 20% across KCC districts and also areas of urban Gravesham in the bottom 20% nationally. Parts of urban Gravesham are also in the bottom 20% for household income across the KCC area. Singlewell and Northfleet North suffer the highest levels of financial stress. • As at 2007, Gravesham had the eighth (out of 12) highest resident gross median weekly wage across KCC districts with £472.50. However, between 2002-07, Gravesham had the second lowest wage percentage rise across the boroughs (11.05%). • As at July 2009, Gravesham had the second highest rate of unemployment across the KCC area (4.3%) behind Thanet (5.5%). • The rise in unemployment within Gravesham is less over the past year than other KCC districts suggesting Gravesham’s starting baseline was already higher. • Meopham North has seen the largest proportional increase in unemployment (281.3% - which equates to 45 people) whereas Riverside had the largest actual size increase with 130 people declared as unemployed since July 2008. • Three wards in Gravesham now have unemployment rates over 6%. • The worst affected groups for unemployment across the borough are the under 24 year’s age group and the elementary job sector which have suffered the largest increases. • There has been an annual increase of 106 applications for benefits administered by Gravesham Borough Council between Aug 2001-08. • Between 2001-07 Gravesham Borough Council had an increase of 7.4% of benefit cases to administer against a population increase of 2.07%. • Gravesham has a higher year on year average for business registrations against deregisrations than the south east or KCC averages.

107 LDF: Economy Baseline Report [Gravesham Borough Council - 2008]

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 74 [August 2009] Page 82

10. Housing

10.1 Private Housing

10.1.1 Ownership Estimates for mid-April 2006 indicate that there are a total of 39,809 dwellings in Gravesham of which 33,000 are private sector dwellings. By 2026 approximately 9,300 extra homes are planned in the borough. 108

The Housing Act 2004 requires Local Housing Authorities to keep housing conditions in the borough under review. In 2006 Gravesham Borough Council commissioned Michael Howard Associates Ltd (MHA Ltd) to carry out a survey of the private sector stock in the borough and produce a report.

For the purposes of the report, six sub areas were identified.

1. Area AA - Central; Pelham; Riverside; 2. Area BB - Chalk; Riverview; Westcourt; 3. Area CC - Singlewell; Whitehill; Woodlands; 4. Area DD - Coldharbour; Northfleet South; 5. Area EE - Northfleet North; Painters Ash; 6. Area FF Higham; Istead Rise; Meopham North; Meopham South and Vigo; Shorne, Cobham and Luddesdown.

Fig. 34 Distribution of dwellings by tenure for the sub areas 109

What is immediately striking from Fig. 34 is the gap in owner-occupied housing between Area AA and Area FF (25.2%). On reflection given the demographics of the areas, this is maybe not overly surprising. The more urban housing area ‘Area AA’ provides a greater housing mix and therefore caters for a more diverse community in terms of housing needs and it is evident that Area AA also provides the greatest number of privately rented accommodation.

108 South East Plan Strategy-based Forecasts [Kent County Council Nov 08] 109 LDF: Housing Baseline Report [Gravesham Borough Council - 2009]

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10.1.2 Types of tenure The 2006 MHA Ltd commissioned report also addressed the types of tenure in operation across the borough and compared this against the age of the properties. Fig. 35 below outlines the report findings in this area.

Fig. 35 Distribution of dwellings by construction date against tenure type

When analysing the results of Fig. 35 and specifically reviewing all dwellings by construction date, there are some interesting statistics. It is evident just under a fifth of homes in the borough were built prior to 1919 and significantly over half of those are located in Area AA. When considering construction dates across Gravesham as a whole, housing construction is relatively evenly distributed. The largest sector of housing (33.1%) in the borough was built post-1964.

In regards to dwelling tenure, there are some important results. Significantly, the majority of privately rented properties were constructed before 1919. This is significant in terms of housing conditions because older dwellings are likely to require more regular maintenance. Further, only about one in four of privately rented dwellings have been built after 1964, which are those dwellings that are least likely to present problems. Conversely, the vast majority of RSL properties (more than four in five) have been built after 1964, with only about one in ten built before 1919. The figures for owner-occupied properties are more similar to the figures for the overall Borough average. 110

110 LDF: Housing Baseline Report [Gravesham Borough Council - 2009]

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10.1.3 Affordability of housing When considering affordability of housing within Gravesham, this report focuses on KCC’s Earnings, Income and Housing Affordability paper 2007 and draws on work published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) in 2006. Using data from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, published by ONS and data on Average House Prices from the Survey of Mortgage Lenders/Regulated Mortgage Survey 2005, the JRF calculated the ratio between House Prices to Earnings. These have been ranked for all 407 authorities in Great Britain. The results of this national ranking are outlined in Fig. 36 below where the higher the rank the more affordable is the housing. Based on this criterion, as can be seen from the table, Gravesham is one of the most affordable areas in the KCC area.

Fig. 36 Affordability in the KCC area housing market

This rank is based on average annual wages against the average house cost. What is evident is that the high earnings to house price ratios are not confined to those areas dominated solely by high house prices. In KCC the ratios are highest in the East Kent Districts, where it is the lower earnings levels that influence the ratios most as opposed to house prices.

Based on the information from the 2005 study, the house price to income ratio in Gravesham is 4.41 with only Ashford and Maidstone classed as being more affordable areas across KCC.

One factor that affects the local housing affordability rate is the specific provision of affordable new-build housing. Government targets for 2008-09 outlined that Gravesham should have an additional 90 affordable homes completed. This target was met and the actual outturn for the year was 141 affordable homes.

10.1.4 Decency standards Decency standards in Gravesham’s private housing sector are ahead of the regional average although slightly behind the national average. The 2006 MHA Ltd private sector stock condition survey found that 29.0% of all occupied private sector dwellings in the Borough fail to meet the Decent Homes standard for one or more reasons (all tenures excluding Local Authority but including RSLs). Therefore, 71.0% of dwellings are Decent Homes.

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 77 [August 2009] Page 85

This is similar to, although slightly worse than, the national rate. However, when considering the privately rented market in addition to owner-occupied housing, Gravesham’s score of 29.7% compares favourably against the south east regional average of 30.6%.

In 2002, the government set a target for all vulnerable homes in private sector accommodation, that is, owner occupiers and those renting from a private landlord, to meet the Decent Homes standard by 2010. The 2006 MHA Ltd report indicated that Gravesham had 442 vulnerable homes classed as non-decent. As at August 2009, this number had reduced to 265 properties.

Within Gravesham the 2006 report found that the main reason for private sector households failing to meet the Decent Homes standard was ‘Category 1 hazards’, at 19.8%. Conversely, ‘failure to provide modern facilities and services’, at only 1.2% was the least common reason for failure to reach the Decent Homes standard. Non- Decent Homes are most prevalent amongst households living in dwellings built before 1919, at 45.1%. The rate of Non-Decent Homes decreases as the construction date becomes more recent. These findings are as would be expected. 111

In order to address decency standards across private sector housing, renovation loans are available from the council to owner occupied properties which do not meet the government’s Decent Homes standard and where the owner is defined as vulnerable. There is loan assistance available of up to £10,000 112 for properties that are at least 10 years old and which do not meet the Decent Homes standard, as assessed by the council.

In exceptional circumstances where there is insufficient equity in the property to pay back a loan on the sale of the property, consideration will be given by the Housing Renewal Panel to provide grant-aid rather than loan assistance.113

10.1.5 Housing supply Reviewing the number of new homes needed in the region each year was a key element of the recently adopted South East Plan 2009. As part of its recommendations the adopted plan, which replaced the Kent Structure Plan, set out clear requirements for housing provision within Gravesham which equated to the provision of 9,300 residential units from 2006-2026 (465 pa0.

Based on the figures supplied in the Gravesham Borough Housing Audit 2007-08, it was proposed that 3,995 extra dwellings would be completed by 2016 which at an annual rate of 499 would provide an extra 1,356 dwellings above the requirement set by the adopted structure plan.

However, these proposed figures are currently under review. The current economic climate has resulted in the figures for net additional homes to be revised and the Department for Communities and Local Government are due to announce new targets in September 2010.

111 Gravesham Borough Council House Condition Survey [MHA Ltd - 2006] 112 The Housing Renewal Panel can consider requests for assistance up to £30,000 in exceptional circumstances. 113 LDF: Housing Baseline Report [Gravesham Borough Council - 2009]

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 78 [August 2009] Page 86

10.2 Gravesham Council Housing

10.2.1 Overview Gravesham has a higher proportional number of local authority dwellings in comparison with near neighbour Dartford. As at April 2009, Gravesham had 5978 properties or approximately 15% of Gravesham households compared to approximately 11% of properties in Dartford. On a wider scale, Gravesham’s figure of 15% is higher than the average south east figure of approximately 14% but less than the average national figure of approximately 18%.

10.2.2 Decency Standards In 2000 the Government introduced the Decent Homes Standard for all social housing which is to be achieved by 2010. In 2003, the government extended its policy on Decent Homes to include the homes of vulnerable occupants in the private sector. Vulnerable households are those in receipt of certain means tested benefits. A decent home is one which meets the following four criteria:

• It must meet the current statutory minimum standard for housing, containing no category 1 risks as rated under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System • It must be in a reasonable state of repair • It must have reasonably modern facilities and services with a kitchen less than 20 years old and a bathroom less than 30 years old • It must provide a reasonable degree of thermal comfort i.e. effective insulation and efficient heating.

The number of council homes and non-decent council homes is recorded by each authority in its Business Plans Statistical Appendix at the end of each financial year. Within Gravesham as at 1 April 2009, 7.2% of council stock was declared as non- decent. The aim for 2009-10 is to reduce this figure to 4%.

10.2.3 Satisfaction Survey During 2008 and in line with the Department for Communities and Local Government requirements, Gravesham Borough Council commissioned QCL marketing to undertake a Tenant Satisfaction Survey. 114

Questionnaires were mailed to 1500 council tenants on 15 th September 2008 – a random sample of 1300 general needs tenants and 150 sheltered housing tenants. A total of 776 completed questionnaires were received after two reminders, together with 16 marked as ‘gone away’ or ‘not known at this address’. This represents an effective response rate of 54%.

The survey was conducted across a wide variety of areas of interest including satisfaction with the landlord, satisfaction with the neighbourhood and repairs made to their homes.

A selection of key points from the survey is available below;

• Overall 52% have been a tenant for more than 20 years with 34% having been in their particular accommodation for that length of time. Tenants in sheltered/supported housing tend to have been tenants of the council for a shorter time.

114 Council Tenants Satisfaction Survey [Gravesham Borough Council - 2008]

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 79 [August 2009] Page 87

• The greater majority of tenants are satisfied with the overall service provided by the council as their landlord – 79% (general needs tenants - 78%, sheltered housing tenants - 85%). • 79% are satisfied with the value for money for their rent and 69% are satisfied with their neighbourhood as a place to live. • 80% of tenants say they are satisfied with the overall quality of their home. • 76% are satisfied with advice available on rent payments, and 73% on how enquiries are dealt with. • 81% of tenants are satisfied with the way the council deals with repairs and maintenance, an increase from 78% in 2004 and 80% in 2006. Again, tenants in sheltered/supported housing tend to be more positive in their ratings with 94% being satisfied compared with 79% of general needs tenants.

10.2.4 Homelessness Gravesham has seen a declining number of households declared as homeless over the last few years. Indeed Gravesham now has fewer households in temporary accommodation than the Department for Communities and Local Government target set for 2010 (24 households). Temporary accommodation provided by Gravesham Borough Council can include bed and breakfast, hostel, local authority/housing association housing and private sector housing. In 2008-09, the number of households in temporary accommodation in Gravesham fell to 15 from 27 in 2007- 08.115 Fig. 37 below outlines the progress that has been made in reducing the number of homeless households in temporary accommodation in Gravesham between 2003-08.

Fig. 37 Homeless households in temporary accommodation in Gravesham 2003-08

This success for the council has been achieved through a series of preventative measures including a mediating scheme between the council and families/landlords. The council has also introduced a rent deposit scheme which included the council loaning a month’s deposit for people to find suitable private housing. The agreement sees the deposit repaid over a defined period.

115 Homeless Information 2007-08 [Kent County Council – December 2008]

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 80 [August 2009] Page 88

Decisions on homelessness taken by Gravesham Borough Council are categorised as either; • Eligible, unintentionally homeless and in priority need • Eligible, homeless and in priority need, but intentionally so • Eligible, homeless but not in priority need • Eligible, but not homeless • Ineligible

Based on these categories, the total number of cases that have been administered by the council has been falling over the last year. Fig. 38 below highlights the volume of casework decisions that have been made between 2008-09.116

Fig. 38 Total casework decisions on applications of homelessness between June 2008 – March 2009

When considering those applications in more detail and specifically by ethnicity, the vast majority of cases are from those declared as ‘white’ (64.36%) including ‘white British’, ‘white Irish’ and ‘white other’. Aside from those applications where the ethnicity is not declared, the second highest number of applications was from the ‘black’ grouping (6.38%).

To understand the reasons for homelessness and emerging trends in the levels of homelessness, a wider period of examination is required. When reviewing the homeless categories in more detail between 2003-08, it is apparent only the category titled ‘Eligible, homeless and in priority need, but intentionally so’ has increased across Gravesham. In 2003-04 22 decisions on cases were made. This increased to 30 cases in 2007-08, an increase of 36.36%. The largest percentage fall was seen in the ‘Eligible, homeless but not in priority need’ category which fell by 79.16%. The largest total fall in applications was in the ‘Eligible, unintentionally homeless and in priority need’ category which fell by 197 cases between 2003-04 and 2007-08.

116 Households dealt with under the homelessness provisions of the 1996 Housing Act.

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 81 [August 2009] Page 89

Key themes / Conclusions:

• There is a gap of 25.2% between inner urban ‘Area AA and the rural wards Area FF’ for the number of owner occupied housing within Gravesham. • Nearly 20% of housing in Gravesham was built before 1919. • Gravesham has one of the highest rates of housing affordability in Kent. • Gravesham’s housing ‘decency standard’ is ahead of the national average. Food preparation areas are the most significant reason for houses not meeting the standard (48.9% of cases). • Gravesham currently is behind the required target for completed housing. • Within the borough, 15% of dwellings are governed by the council, a higher rate than Dartford’s 11% but below the national average of 18%. • 80% of respondents to the Tenant Satisfaction Survey 2008 are satisfied with the overall quality of homes. 73% are satisfied on how enquiries are dealt with. • There are a declining number of applications for help regarding homelessness in Gravesham. The number of households resident in temporary accommodation is also declining and below the target set by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 82 [August 2009] Page 90

11. Culture and Leisure

11.1 Definition

11.1.1 Audit Commission – Defining quality of life The Audit Commission in their document ‘Defining Quality of Life’ (see Appendix 1) suggest culture and leisure, within the context of a data profile, should contain information on the arts, museums and heritage, archives, libraries, tourism, children’s play, sport and recreation, parks and public open spaces.

11.2 Arts and Heritage

11.2.1 Heritage Overview Gravesend was a medieval town and settlements such as Cobham and Northfleet preserve links with their historical past through elements of their plan-form and through their buildings, including churches.

The area of Gravesham near the Thames changed dramatically from a rural to an industrial landscape in the later 19 th and 20 th centuries. Not only were large quarries excavated and industrial structures erected but the existing villages greatly increased in size, with many new planned streets, some constructed by the cement manufacturers. The 19 th century was probably the most economically vibrant period in the history of Dartford and Gravesend and their prosperity is witnessed by fine buildings and urban parks. In the 19 th century Gravesend was a major tourist destination for Londoners arriving on Thames paddle-steamers. 117

Over the years, Gravesham became significant for other industrial heritage – extraction industries, the processing of produce from outside the region and sites related to military commitments such as the New Tavern Fort.

In recent years, Gravesham’s rich heritage has become increasingly recognised through commitments made to regeneration of key cultural assets. One such project is the Cobham Park scheme. The Cobham Park Ashenbank Management Scheme (CAMS) is implementing a £6.7million project to conserve and restore elements of Repton landscape in Cobham Park (Grade II) which surrounds Cobham Hall (Grade I). This includes restoration of the Darnley Mausoleum (Grade I) and the surrounding woods (a Site of Scientific Interest), which will eventually pass to the National Trust. Cobham Park is discussed in more details at paragraph 3.4.1.

Alongside Gravesham’s historical environment there is also a legacy of famous people who were born or lived in the area or were associated with it such as; Charles Dickens, Joseph Conrad, General Gordon, Bryan Donkin, Sir Hiram Maxim, Sir John Spilman, Augustus Applegarth, Richard Trevithick and Pocahontas.

11.2.2 Arts / Museums Gravesham has a mixture of museums both in the range of artefacts and the facilities on offer. One such example is the Chantry building which hosts a series of exhibits offering an insight into Gravesham’s past including one exhibit on the Gravesend Sea School.

117 Conserving and Enhancing our Heritage and Creating New Futures [Kent Thameside]

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The most recent addition to museums in the borough is the Discover Gravesham virtual museum. 118 Shortlisted for the Association for Public Service Excellence awards 2009, users of this facility are able to gain a wide understanding of the cultural, social and commercial heritage of Gravesend, Northfleet and the nearby villages. Available for viewing is an archive of writings, drawings, photographs, collections of pottery and finds from very important archaeological sites. Many of these exhibits were available for viewing in the Gravesend museum before its closure in 2008.

Gravesham also hosts an annual Heritage Festival. In 2009, this festival saw almost 50 cultural events including guided walks across the North Kent marshes, exhibitions, tours of the historic Windmill Hill and Gravesend Cemetery, open days at the New Tavern Fort and talks in celebration of Gravesham’s heritage.

In regards to the arts, Gravesham also has a local theatre. The Woodville Halls theatre offers entertainment and events and is available for business packages, private hire, weddings or just for lunch and is at the centre of Gravesham's community.

11.2.3 Libraries Within Gravesham there are 10 libraries available for public use each with disabled access and internet facilities. The main library facilities are found in the Gravesend library which offers exhibition spaces and a specific children’s library. Gravesend library was originally built in 1905 and has been a dedicated library throughout the period.

However, following on from the refurbishment that has been carried out at Marling Cross library, plans are afoot to refurbish the Gravesend town centre library facilities. The building next to the library, currently used as the reference library, is beyond repair and is planned to be demolished and replaced with space for library events, community meetings, a courtyard reading garden, more local history material and more improved collections of books.

11.2.4 Tourism Raising the profile of tourism in Gravesham and increasing the number of international and domestic visitors is an objective for the council. In order to shape the direction of tourism for the borough and set key objectives for the council, a Tourism Strategy for Gravesham is currently being produced and is expected to be in place for 2010.

Gravesham’s central tourism information centre is TownCentric. Funded and operated by the council, TownCentric is located in Gravesend town centre facing St George’s Church. Gravesham’s proximity to London and Ebbsfleet make it a convenient place for visitors to stay. Key attractions for tourists in the borough include;

• Gravesend Town Centre including Milton Chantry and the Promenade • Owletts • Dickens – Gads Hill • MV ‘Princess Pocahontas’ passenger ferry • Green tourism incl. CAMS, Shorne Country Park and Jeskyns Wood • Proximity to Bluewater and Rochester

118 www.discovergravesham.co.uk

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Another source of tourist activity in Gravesham can be attributed to the borough’s involvement with the ‘town twinning’ scheme. Gravesham is twinned with Neumunster in Germany, Cambrai in France and, since 2005, Chesterfield County in Virginia USA which helps reflect the link of Pocahontus.

Twinning arrangements and activities are organised through the Gravesham Town Twinning Association, a group that is committed to enhancing the links between Gravesham and its ‘twin towns’. The Association raises funds through membership and receives a grant and secretarial assistance from the council. Direct contact with each town is made each year with either a group travelling from Gravesham or groups from the ‘twin towns’ coming to Gravesham.

11.3 Sport and Recreation

11.3.1 Sport / Leisure There are a good range of sports and leisure facilities in the borough. In the recent Place Survey 2008, Gravesham scored the highest score across KCC districts in regards to satisfaction with sports facilities in the borough. Gravesham’s score of 56.9% was considerably higher than near neighbours Dartford and Swale who each scored 38.4%. Looking forward, the Council has recently commissioned a study to audit and assess the quantity, quality and accessibility of open space, sports and recreational facilities in the Borough to inform future planning policies

Gravesham Community Leisure Limited was formed in January 2000 as a non-profit organisation to provide leisure services through Cascades and Cygnet leisure centres on behalf of Gravesham Borough Council.

There are two leisure centres in the borough each with their own facilities;

• Cascades Leisure Centre This leisure centre offers a swimming pool with a wave machine, fountains, wild water channel, waterfall and two water slides. The sports hall has facilities for badminton, netball, five-a-side football, gymnastics, indoor hockey, table tennis, basketball and volleyball. There are also five squash courts.

The dance studio and Outline Fitness Centre offer a full range of body conditioning facilities. Reflections Health Suite has spa baths, a steam room, sauna and solarium, as well as a beauty salon.

The Jason Suite incorporates a licensed bar, a cafeteria and a range of rooms available for private hire, meetings, seminars, wedding receptions and children's parties.

The surrounding 55 acres of land caters for soccer, golf (driving range and par three course) and model aircraft flying. There is also an indoor bowls, five-a-side football and tennis centre, floodlit tennis and netball courts, cycling and skateboard area, children's play area, miniature railway and picnic area.

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• Cygnet Leisure Centre Located at Old Perry Street in Northfleet, Cygnet leisure centre offers an Outline Fitness Centre and a Health Suite which offers a steam room, sauna, sunbeds and a spa bath.

The sports hall hosts badminton, gymnastics, five-a-side football, indoor hockey, basketball and volleyball and there are four squash courts and a boxing room. The large hall is equipped with a specialist lighting system and portable staging and is available for hire for a variety of functions. 119

The conventional pool, with diving and learning areas, provides for the more serious swimmer, as well as for those wishing to enjoy water fun or learn to swim.

There is also a fitness centre located in Meopham;

• Meopham Fitness Centre The fully air-conditioned 38 stationed fitness studio offers all levels and abilities, the perfect environment in which to work out. A full range of cardiovascular equipment including treadmills, steppers, rowers, bikes and cross-trainers; resistance and free weights area to help tone and shape. Fully qualified instructors are available to prescribe personal fitness programmes in a friendly atmosphere with television and music facilities.

In addition to the listed leisure and fitness centres there are over 150 sports clubs throughout the borough open to all residents. This wide variety of clubs includes both individual and team pursuits from archery, athletics and badminton to football, rugby, tennis and yoga. All of the relevant details of local sports clubs are presented on the Gravesham Borough Council website. 120

There are also specific sports facilities to younger residents within Gravesham. There are currently four dedicated skate facilities for residents that can be accessed at Cascades Leisure Centre (Gravesend), Culverstone Recreation Ground (near Meopham), Istead Rise Recreation Ground and Springhead Recreation Ground (Northfleet).

Other leisure pursuits including Cycling and walking paths have already been discuss at paragraph 4.3.

11.3.2 London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games The 2012 London Games is not confined to the athletic events at either the Olympic or Paralympics. Prior to the Games the Cultural Olympiad will be taking place and is in fact already underway.

The London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, launched over the weekend of September 26-28 2008, is a four year celebration designed to encourage the widest range of people across the whole of the UK to get involved in the London 2012 Games. This strong cultural offer helped to secure London as the winning host city. 121

119 http://www.gravesham.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=1064 120 http://www.gravesham.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=3354 121 http://www.gravesham.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=5062

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A number of major cultural projects were featured in the London 2012 bid. They will form the centre piece of the Cultural Olympiad and offer opportunities for mass participation. These projects include ‘Film Nation’ (a film competition for young people celebrating sport and the spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and also workshops for young people to develop film making employment and broadcast skills) and a World Shakespeare Festival (an unprecedented national and international celebration of Shakespeare which aims to make Shakespeare accessible to all). 122

In regards to the London 2012 Games specifically, they are likely to impact on all aspects of the council’s business and will impact on the lives of Gravesham residents. The London 2012 Games has the potential to deliver a wide range of benefits including the ability to;

• increase participation in sport and encourage people to lead healthier lives • inspire young people of all ages and communities to volunteer before, during and after The London 2012 Games • help people take part in local cultural events as part of what is often referred to as “the Cultural Olympiad”. The “Cultural Olympiad” takes place across the UK during the four years before the London 2012 Games. Specifically the Cultural Olympiad will showcase the arts through a range of events and attractions inspired by the London 2012 Games. • generate tourism and boost the local economy through contracts related to The London 2012 Games • strengthen a sense of belonging through community events and especially to reach out to young people • act as a catalyst for achieving progress against councils’ existing targets and priorities.

Two potential sites located in Gravesham, often referred to as “Training Camps”, have been identified and publicised by KCC on the international stage as part of its “offer”. These sites are; The MEAPA Gym and Nursted Court Equestrian Centre.

KCC is set to announce (September 2009) which countries have signed Memoranda of Understanding to use facilities in Kent for training purposes, although these will not be legally binding.123

Gravesham has already commenced work to create a lasting legacy from the Games. A high profile example of this work is the securing of an AdiZone area to be included in the regeneration of the Riverside Leisure Area. This is a significant coup for the borough’s residents as it is the only such facility in the region.

122 Cultural Olympiad in the South East [Caterina Loriggio, Creative Programmer for London 2012]

123 The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games: A Strategy for Gravesham [Gravesham Borough Council - 2009]

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 87 [August 2009] Page 95

The AdiZone includes variety of activities open to all residents including; a climbing wall, basketball ring, outdoor gym and mini amphitheatre for dance, aerobics and gymnastics. Each activity has instructions on how the equipment is to be used properly and safely plus details on local clubs where skills can be honed further.

The permanent installation of the facility which includes the use of the Olympic Rings and the high profile opening planned for March 2010 will generate positive coverage for Gravesham and will create a significant legacy that will outlast The London 2012 Games themselves.

11.3.3 Parks Gravesham has a number of parks available each with individual facilities. A selection of these parks include; • Springhead Recreation Ground - is located in Northfleet adjacent to Thames Way. It provides football pitches and a steel construction skate park. An adjacent development called Springhead Linear Park will shortly provide a cycling and footpath connection between Thames Way and Springhead Road. • Northfleet Urban Country Park - The site lies on the eastern edge of Northfleet off Thames Way and covers 10.5 hectares. Primarily used for informal recreation to provide a countryside flavour in the town. The site benefits from extensive native tree, shrub and wildflower plantings, creating various wildlife habitats. • Camer Park - is a popular 45-acre designated area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with pleasant mature parkland and a small area of woodland suitable for a stroll or informal games. The park provides opportunities for picnics, children's play and other relaxing pursuits for the whole family. There is car parking, toilets and refreshment kiosk. • Woodlands Park - is a 15-acre park on the boundary between Gravesend and Northfleet and provides welcome opportunities for informal recreation within the urban environment. Facilities include a bowling green and children's play area. There are also tennis courts and a crazy golf course which are both free of charge to use. • Wombwell Park - in Northfleet offers a variety of recreational activities including a bowling green, cricket square, tennis courts, multi-sports courts and children's play areas. • Windmill Hill and Gardens - Windmill Hill is located on the highest ground near Gravesend town centre and provides an interesting vantage point from which to view the surrounding areas and the river activity. The top is the location of World War 1 Zeppelin bombsite, a small children's play area and a beacon commemorating the advance of the Spanish Armada. Nestling at the foot of the hill on its northern side is Windmill Gardens are ornamental gardens and a Bowling Green and tennis courts. Located near the entrance to the gardens is a memorial commemorating the losses of two world wars. • Riverside Leisure Area - This encompasses the Fort Gardens (including the New Tavern Fort and Chantry Heritage Centre), Gordon Gardens and Recreation Ground (including Gordon Lake and General Gordon's Statue), Gordon Promenade (including a café, Gravesend Rowing Club, Gravesend Sailing Club, and Gravesend Regatta Committee) and the Canal Basin Marina. It is the venue for many outdoor events including regattas, music festivals and firework displays. There are children's play sites on the promenade and by the lake. National Cycle Route 1 passes through this area (along Gordon Promenade and past the Canal Basin) and then follows the route of the Thames and Medway Canal towards Higham.

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 88 [August 2009] Page 96

• Culverstone Recreation Ground - Located off of White Post Lane adjacent to the Culverstone Community Centre. Facilities include three football pitches, skate ramp, basket ball area, younger and older children's play area and parking. 124 • Shorne Woods Country Park - A large ancient woodland site with a new, modern visitor centre. A Site of Special Scientific Interest within the Kent Downs, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there are 288 acres of woodland to enjoy. The park is a mixture of chestnut coppice woodlands, that are full of wildflowers in the spring, ancient woodland with towering old trees, open meadows to play and picnic in, and ponds and wetlands that are home to dragonflies in the summer time. There are views of the Thames from the open grassland at the park's highest point. Shorne Woods is renowned for its fungi and blue bells and the woodlands are full of wildlife including dormice and bats. • Trosley Country Park covers 170 acres of beautiful woodland and chalk downland on the North Downs. With a mixture of woodland and open chalk grassland slopes, the park is home to a rich variety of wildlife. The chalk grassland in the park is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The grassland supports a fabulous array of butterflies each summer including the Chalkhill Blue. To maintain this important habitat, grazing animals have been introduced to manage the grassland. The park's two way marked trails benefit from some fantastic sights. The easy access trail winds through the dense woodland, which is rich in wildlife. 125 • Istead Rise Recreation Ground - located adjacent to Istead Rise Community Centre, Istead Rise recreation ground provides open space for football playing fields and in regards to skating facilities has the only ‘half pipe combo’ in the borough. There is also a playing area for young children. It is also intended in 2010 to install a multi-use games area which would involve an enclosed basketball and football facility.

124 LDF: Culture Tourism and Leisure Baseline Report [Gravesham Borough Council - 2009] 125 http://www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/explore-kent/parks-and-open-spaces/

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 89 [August 2009] Page 97

List of Appendices

Appendix No. Title Source 1 Defining Quality of Life Audit Commission 2 Gravesham Ward Population Density GBC 3 Gravesham Built Environment GBC 4 Gravesham Recycling Facilities GBC 5 Total Volume of Crime April 2008-March GBC 2009 6 Recorded Crime by Ward [Tables A-D] Gravesham CDRP 7 Gravesham Primary School Pupil KCC Locations 8 Gravesham Secondary School Pupil KCC Locations 9 Gravesham GCSE and Equivalent Results Department for 2008 Children, Schools and Families 10 Gravesham A-Level and Equivalent Department for Results 2007 Children, Schools and Families 11 Proportion of NEET’s in Kent 2008 KCC 12 Gravesham Ward Average Life GBC Expectancy 13 Gravesham Ward Smoking Prevalence GBC 14 Teenage Conception Rates in Gravesham Kent Public Health LA Electoral Ward 2002-04 Observatory 15 Index of Multiple Deprivation 2007 KCC 16 IMD 2007 (Employment) KCC 17 Modelled household income, after housing KCC costs 2004-05 18 Gravesham Ward Unemployment Rate KCC Changes July 2008 to 2009 19 Gravesham Ward Level of Financial GBC Stress 20 Proportion of the population of Gravesham KCC wards within the eight Mosaic types suffering the most financial stress 21 Gravesham Electoral Wards GBC 22 Data Profile – Index of Sources N/A

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 90 [August 2009] Page 98

Appendix 1 : Defining quality of life The Audit Commission has chosen ten themes that cover the quality of life.

People and place Population dynamics (size, density, household composition, commuting and seasonal migration patterns and longer-term changes) and diversity (age, gender, ethnicity and religion). A context for understanding the sense of place and how people live and work in the area.

Community involvement and cohesion Community activities that encourage pride and ownership of the area and the degree to which diverse communities enjoy positive relationships and have influence over local decisions affecting the area.

Economic well-being Levels of deprivation, employment, wages, seasonality of work, household income, economic inactivity, benefit payments and the number and type of businesses in the area.

Housing Ownership, types of tenure, supply and affordability of housing and homelessness. It also covers sustainability issues, including decency standards, and minimising resource use and location.

Environment The quality of the built (including redevelopment of derelict land) and natural (including biodiversity) environments, pollution, including air and water quality, water, energy and waste management.

Transport and access Public transport, road provision, maintenance, use and congestion, walking, cycling, mode of travel and distance to work. It also covers access to key services and technology, such as the internet.

Community safety Feelings of safety, levels of crime of different sorts, including anti-social behaviour and disorder and drug-related offences, accidents in homes, at work and on the roads and fire safety.

Health & social well-being Birth and death rates, life expectancy, public health measures, people with long-term conditions, support for carers and access to quality health and social services.

Education and lifelong learning School attendance and attainment, education and skills levels in the resident population, adult education services, employer-provided training and broader development opportunities, such as volunteering.

Culture and leisure The arts, museums and heritage, archives, libraries, tourism, children's play, sport, recreation, parks and public open spaces.

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 91 [August 2009]

Appendix 2 : Gravesham Ward Population Density

Page 99

Scale/Key: 0-5 5.1-20 20.1-35 35.1-50 50+ WARDS

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 92 [August 2009] Appendix 3 : Gravesham Built Environment

Page 100

Scale/Key: Scheduled ancient monuments Listed buildings point Listed buildings poly Historic parks and gardens Conservation areas WARDS

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 93 [August 2009] Appendix 4 : Gravesham Recycling Facilities

Page 101

Scale/Key: Recycling sites

WARDS

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 94 [August 2009] Appendix 5 : Total volume of crime for April 2008-March 2009

Page 102

Scale/Key: 0-200 200-400 400-700 700-1000 1000+ WARDS

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 95 [August 2009] Appendix 6: Table A : Gravesham CDRP Recorded Crime by Ward - April 2007 to March 2008

PERSON PERSON G. ROBBERY G. ROBBERY I. SHOPLIFTING D. DRUG OFFENCES OFFENCES D. DRUG M. OFFENCES THEFT F. OFFENCES OTHER B. BURGLARY OTHER OTHER B. BURGLARY H. OFFENCES SEXUAL E. FRAUD AND FORGERY E.FORGERY AND FRAUD A. BURGLARY DWELLING A. BURGLARY L. THEFT CYCLE PEDAL OF O. VIOLENCE AGAINST THE AGAINST O. VIOLENCE N. VEHICLE INTERFERENCE P. TOTAL RECORDED CRIMEP. TOTAL RECORDED K. THEFT OF MOTOR MOTOR VEHICLE K. THEFT OF J. THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE J.FROM MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT

C. CRIMINAL DAMAGE OFFENCES C. CRIMINAL OFFENCES DAMAGE Page 103 Central Ward 52 39 216 28 24 9 21 10 8 107 40 8 83 13 185 843 Chalk Ward 14 13 24 3 3 1 1 1 1 8 5 2 21 2 13 112 Coldharbour Ward 13 19 78 5 5 7 6 3 1 16 13 2 33 8 72 281 Higham Ward 23 41 54 3 3 2 2 1 0 24 11 0 29 2 26 221 Istead Rise Ward 5 12 27 3 1 2 0 1 1 17 5 0 26 3 18 121 Meopham North Ward 14 23 34 2 4 0 1 0 8 32 12 0 38 7 27 202 Meopham South and Vigo Ward 13 39 73 1 10 1 0 1 1 46 12 2 45 2 34 280 Northfleet North Ward 49 31 191 20 27 6 10 11 6 60 48 9 104 7 164 743 Northfleet South Ward 17 51 138 28 17 7 6 2 16 59 24 4 76 13 121 579 Painters Ash Ward 10 21 45 2 39 2 0 2 8 27 6 1 21 3 36 223 Pelham Ward 44 51 212 66 46 23 20 16 381 80 49 10 198 29 346 1571 Riverside Ward 65 66 212 18 19 13 14 15 29 66 65 4 122 24 215 947 Riverview Ward 5 15 58 4 4 2 2 4 14 5 6 1 15 2 30 167 Shorne, Cobham and Luddesdown Ward 15 19 54 8 116 2 5 1 11 51 24 1 50 4 40 401 Singlewell Ward 46 41 236 16 5 8 6 3 2 48 27 12 67 8 158 683 Westcourt Ward 51 50 170 9 11 6 4 11 2 38 38 9 53 10 97 559 Whitehill Ward 25 35 127 9 2 2 3 5 5 22 18 3 46 14 71 387 Woodlands Ward 25 23 82 12 27 6 7 12 6 26 15 3 49 4 84 381

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 96 [August 2009] Total Gravesham CDRP 486 589 2040 238 371 107 110 103 500 741 419 72 1104 156 1759 8795

Appendix 6 : Table B : Gravesham CDRP Recorded Crime by Ward - April 2008 to March 2009

PERSON PERSON Page 104 G. ROBBERY G. ROBBERY I. SHOPLIFTING D. DRUG OFFENCES OFFENCES D. DRUG M. OFFENCES THEFT F. OFFENCES OTHER B. BURGLARY OTHER OTHER B. BURGLARY H. OFFENCES SEXUAL E. FRAUD AND FORGERY E.FORGERY AND FRAUD A. BURGLARY DWELLING A. BURGLARY L. THEFT CYCLE PEDAL OF O. VIOLENCE AGAINST THE AGAINST O. VIOLENCE N. VEHICLE INTERFERENCE P. TOTAL RECORDED CRIMEP. TOTAL RECORDED K. THEFT OF MOTOR MOTOR VEHICLE K. THEFT OF J. THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE J.FROM MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT

C. CRIMINAL DAMAGE OFFENCES C. CRIMINAL OFFENCES DAMAGE Central Ward 27 18 178 33 22 14 14 12 8 53 22 7 77 12 212 709 Chalk Ward 9 12 13 1 8 0 0 1 1 11 2 1 14 1 10 84 Coldharbour Ward 16 27 121 16 1 1 3 2 1 25 20 3 40 9 82 367 Higham Ward 15 13 30 1 2 2 0 1 0 21 10 1 11 9 9 125 Istead Rise Ward 18 7 19 3 1 2 1 1 5 20 4 0 8 4 14 107 Meopham North Ward 14 19 50 3 2 0 1 4 2 29 11 2 26 3 29 195 Meopham South and Vigo Ward 20 33 39 3 19 0 0 2 1 34 18 0 40 1 32 242 Northfleet North Ward 51 34 203 24 27 15 10 8 13 77 50 7 64 7 179 769 Northfleet South Ward 15 33 172 60 17 11 2 10 42 55 23 5 57 11 138 651 Painters Ash Ward 14 33 48 15 39 3 0 3 21 30 8 1 32 11 61 319 Pelham Ward 45 46 232 72 51 17 21 11 456 70 33 15 216 18 411 1714 Riverside Ward 52 38 218 52 19 12 14 14 14 51 34 15 127 16 223 899 Riverview Ward 9 10 42 3 2 0 0 3 12 15 5 2 17 3 32 155 Shorne, Cobham and Luddesdown Ward 14 20 46 6 111 1 0 1 3 66 15 3 37 4 19 346 Singlewell Ward 72 67 209 21 8 5 3 10 1 78 15 17 59 13 151 729

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 97 [August 2009] Westcourt Ward 27 37 139 14 11 3 2 4 10 32 25 7 44 11 109 475 Whitehill Ward 20 39 66 8 6 0 3 4 0 25 13 8 32 2 52 278 Woodlands Ward 31 34 98 11 15 2 2 8 1 42 8 10 53 4 69 388 Total Gravesham CDRP 469 520 1932 351 365 97 77 108 591 742 317 105 981 140 1850 8645

G. ROBBERY G. ROBBERY I. SHOPLIFTING I. SHOPLIFTING D. DRUG OFFENCES OFFENCES DRUG D. F. OTHER OFFENCES OFFENCES F. OTHER M. THEFT OFFENCES OFFENCES M. THEFT B. BURGLARY OTHER OTHER B. BURGLARY H. SEXUAL OFFENCES OFFENCES SEXUAL H. Page 105 E. FRAUD AND FORGERY FORGERY AND FRAUD E. A. BURGLARY DWELLING DWELLING A. BURGLARY L. THEFT OF PEDAL CYCLE CYCLE PEDAL OF THEFT L. N. VEHICLE INTERFERENCE INTERFERENCE N. VEHICLE P. TOTAL RECORDED CRIME CRIME RECORDED P. TOTAL K. THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE VEHICLE MOTOR OF K. THEFT J. THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE VEHICLE MOTOR FROM J. THEFT C. CRIMINAL DAMAGE OFFENCES OFFENCES DAMAGE CRIMINAL C.

O. VIOLENCE AGAINST THE PERSON THE AGAINST O.VIOLENCE Crimes/1000 population (98,000) 4.78 5.31 19.71 3.58 3.72 0.99 0.79 1.1 6.03 7.57 3.23 1.07 10.01 1.43 18.88 88.21

Appendix 6 : Table C : Gravesham CDRP Recorded Crime % change by Ward - 2008/09 vs 2007/08

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 98 [August 2009] Central Ward -48.1% -53.8% -17.6% 17.9% -8.3% 55.6% -33.3% 20.0% 0.0% -50.5% -45.0% -12.5% -7.2% -7.7% 14.6% -15.9% Chalk Ward -35.7% -7.7% -45.8% -66.7% 166.7% -100.0% -100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 37.5% -60.0% -50.0% -33.3% -50.0% -23.1% -25.0% Coldharbour Ward 23.1% 42.1% 55.1% 220.0% -80.0% -85.7% -50.0% -33.3% 0.0% 56.3% 53.8% 50.0% 21.2% 12.5% 13.9% 30.6% Higham Ward -34.8% -68.3% -44.4% -66.7% -33.3% 0.0% -100.0% 0.0% 0.0% -12.5% -9.1% N/A -62.1% 350.0% -65.4% -43.4% Istead Rise Ward 260.0% -41.7% -29.6% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% N/A 0.0% 400.0% 17.6% -20.0% 0.0% -69.2% 33.3% -22.2% -11.6% Meopham North Ward 0.0% -17.4% 47.1% 50.0% -50.0% 0.0% 0.0% N/A -75.0% -9.4% -8.3% N/A -31.6% -57.1% 7.4% -3.5% Meopham South and Vigo Ward 53.8% -15.4% -46.6% 200.0% 90.0% -100.0% 0.0% 100.0% 0.0% -26.1% 50.0% -100.0% -11.1% -50.0% -5.9% -13.6% Northfleet North Ward 4.1% 9.7% 6.3% 20.0% 0.0% 150.0% 0.0% -27.3% 116.7% 28.3% 4.2% -22.2% -38.5% 0.0% 9.1% 3.5% Northfleet South Ward -11.8% -35.3% 24.6% 114.3% 0.0% 57.1% -66.7% 400.0% 162.5% -6.8% -4.2% 25.0% -25.0% -15.4% 14.0% 12.4% Painters Ash Ward 40.0% 57.1% 6.7% 650.0% 0.0% 50.0% 0.0% 50.0% 162.5% 11.1% 33.3% 0.0% 52.4% 266.7% 69.4% 43.0% Pelham Ward 2.3% -9.8% 9.4% 9.1% 10.9% -26.1% 5.0% -31.3% 19.7% -12.5% -32.7% 50.0% 9.1% -37.9% 18.8% 9.1% Riverside Ward -20.0% -42.4% 2.8% 188.9% 0.0% -7.7% 0.0% -6.7% -51.7% -22.7% -47.7% 275.0% 4.1% -33.3% 3.7% -5.1% Riverview Ward 80.0% -33.3% -27.6% -25.0% -50.0% -100.0% -100.0% -25.0% -14.3% 200.0% -16.7% 100.0% 13.3% 50.0% 6.7% -7.2% Page 106 Shorne, Cobham and Luddesdown Ward -6.7% 5.3% -14.8% -25.0% -4.3% -50.0% -100.0% 0.0% -72.7% 29.4% -37.5% 200.0% -26.0% 0.0% -52.5% -13.7% Singlewell Ward 56.5% 63.4% -11.4% 31.3% 60.0% -37.5% -50.0% 233.3% -50.0% 62.5% -44.4% 41.7% -11.9% 62.5% -4.4% 6.7% Westcourt Ward -47.1% -26.0% -18.2% 55.6% 0.0% -50.0% -50.0% -63.6% 400.0% -15.8% -34.2% -22.2% -17.0% 10.0% 12.4% -15.0% Whitehill Ward -20.0% 11.4% -48.0% -11.1% 200.0% -100.0% 0.0% -20.0% -100.0% 13.6% -27.8% 166.7% -30.4% -85.7% -26.8% -28.2% Woodlands Ward 24.0% 47.8% 19.5% -8.3% -44.4% -66.7% -71.4% -33.3% -83.3% 61.5% -46.7% 233.3% 8.2% 0.0% -17.9% 1.8% Total Gravesham CDRP -3.5% -11.7% -5.3% 47.5% -1.6% -9.3% -30.0% 4.9% 18.2% 0.1% -24.3% 45.8% -11.1% -10.3% 5.2% -1.7%

Appendix 6 : Table D : Gravesham CDRP Recorded Crime total change by Ward - 2008/09 vs 2007/08

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 99 [August 2009]

PERSON REDUCTIONS REDUCTIONS G. ROBBERY G. ROBBERY

I. SHOPLIFTING D. DRUG OFFENCES OFFENCES D. DRUG M. OFFENCES THEFT F. OFFENCES OTHER Q. TOTAL CATEGORY Q. TOTAL CATEGORY B. BURGLARY OTHER OTHER B. BURGLARY H. OFFENCES SEXUAL E. FRAUD AND FORGERY E.FORGERY AND FRAUD A. BURGLARY DWELLING A. BURGLARY L. THEFT CYCLE PEDAL OF O. VIOLENCE AGAINST THE O. AGAINST VIOLENCE

N. VEHICLE INTERFERENCE P. TOTAL RECORDED CRIMEP. TOTAL RECORDED K. THEFT OF MOTOR MOTOR VEHICLE K. THEFT OF

J.FROM MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT C. CRIMINAL OFFENCES DAMAGE Central Ward -25 -21 -38 5 -2 5 -7 2 0 -54 -18 -1 -6 -1 27 -134 10 Chalk Ward -5 -1 -11 2 5 -1 -1 0 0 3 -3 -1 -7 -1 -3 -28 10 Page 107 Coldharbour Ward 3 8 43 11 -4 -6 -3 -1 0 9 7 1 7 1 10 86 4 Higham Ward -8 -28 -24 -2 -1 0 -2 0 0 -3 -1 1 -18 7 -17 -96 10 Istead Rise Ward 13 -5 -8 0 0 0 1 0 4 3 -1 0 -18 1 -4 -14 5 Meopham North Ward 0 -4 16 1 -2 0 0 4 -6 -3 -1 2 -12 -4 2 -7 7 Meopham South and Vigo Ward 7 -6 -34 2 9 -1 0 1 0 -12 6 -2 -5 -1 -2 -38 8 Northfleet North Ward 2 3 14 4 0 9 0 -3 7 17 2 -2 -47 0 15 26 3 Northfleet South Ward -2 -18 34 32 0 4 -4 8 26 -4 -1 1 -19 -2 17 72 7 Painters Ash Ward 4 12 3 13 0 1 0 1 13 3 2 0 11 8 25 96 0 Pelham Ward 1 -5 20 6 5 -6 1 -5 75 -10 -16 5 18 -11 65 143 6 Riverside Ward -13 -28 6 34 0 -1 0 -1 -15 -15 -31 11 5 -8 8 -48 8 Riverview Ward 4 -5 -16 1 -2 -2 -2 -1 -2 10 -1 1 2 1 2 -12 8 Shorne, Cobham and Luddesdown Ward -1 1 -8 -2 -5 -1 -5 0 -8 15 -9 2 -13 0 -21 -55 10 Singlewell Ward 26 26 -27 5 3 -3 -3 7 -1 30 -12 5 -8 5 -7 46 7 Westcourt Ward -24 -13 -31 5 0 -3 -2 -4 8 -6 -13 -2 -9 1 12 -84 10 Whitehill Ward -5 4 -61 -1 4 -2 0 -1 -5 3 -5 5 -14 -12 -19 -109 10 Woodlands Ward 6 11 16 -7 -12 -4 -5 -4 -5 16 -7 7 -4 0 -15 7 9 Total Gravesham -17 -69 -108 113 -6 -10 -33 5 91 1 -102 33 -123 -16 91 -150 9

Appendix 7 : Gravesham Primary School Pupil Locations

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 100 [August 2009]

Page 108

Appendix 8 : Gravesham Primary School Pupil Locations

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 101 [August 2009]

Page 109

Appendix 9: Gravesham GCSE and equivalent results

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 102 [August 2009]

Achieving 5+ A*- Achieving 5+ Ward/Region C A*-G Any passes % % % 1997 2008 difference 1997 2008 difference 1997 2008 difference Central Ward 98.2 97.9(r) -0.3 98.2 99.3(r) 1.1 99.1 100(r) 0.9 Chalk Ward . .(r) . . .(r) . . .(r) . Coldharbour Ward . .(r) . . .(r) . . .(r) . Higham Ward . .(r) . . .(r) . . .(r) . Istead Rise Ward . .(r) . . .(r) . . .(r) . Meopham North Ward 19.4 47.3(r) 27.9 97 95.9(r) -1.1 100 100(r) 0

Meopham South and Vigo Ward . .(r) . . .(r) . . .(r) . Page 110 Northfleet North Ward . .(r) . . .(r) . . .(r) . Northfleet South Ward 10.7 44.7(r) 34 85.7 95.9(r) 10.2 116.4 99.4(r) -17 Painters Ash Ward 27.6 55.1(r) 27.5 91 93.4(r) 2.4 95.5 98.5(r) 3 Pelham Ward 96.5 98(r) 1.5 99.3 99.3(r) 0 99.3 100(r) 0.7 Riverside Ward 37.4 62(r) 24.6 87.7 95.7(r) 8 92.2 100(r) 7.8 Riverview Ward 17.4 66.1(r) 48.7 78.8 92.9(r) 14.1 93.5 98.9(r) 5.4 Shorne Cobham and Luddesdown Ward . .(r) . . .(r) . . .(r) . Singlewell Ward - -(r) N/A - -(r) N/A - 100(r) N/A Westcourt Ward . .(r) . . .(r) . . .(r) . Whitehill Ward . .(r) . . .(r) . . .(r) . Woodlands Ward 28.8 53.4(r) 24.6 87.7 94.2(r) 6.5 94.8 98.1(r) 3.3 Gravesham District 38.8 63.6(r) 24.8 88.4 94.5(r) 6.1 96.8 99.3(r) 2.5 Kent LA . 67.4(r) . . 92.9(r) . . 98.4(r) . South East Region 47.7 66(r) 18.3 89.8 93.2(r) 3.4 94.1 98.5(r) 4.4 England 45.1 65.3(r) 20.2 86.4 91.6(r) 5.2 92.3 98.6(r) 6.3 Appendix 10: Gravesham A-Level and equivalent results

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 103 [August 2009]

Average Average Average Average Level 3 Level 3 Level 3 Level 3 Average Average School Number QCA QCA QCA QCA type of Level 3 Level 3 type/FE of 16-18 point point point point Institution name specialist point point Difference college year score score score score school score per score per type olds per per per per student entry student student entry – entry – – 2006 – 2007 2006 2007 Cobham Hall IND 49 831.2 207.8 802.5 820.4 17.9 216.4 224 Gravesend Grammar School FD M&C,L 263 707.3 215.3 723.5 693.5 -30 211.8 212.2 Gravesend Grammar School for Girls FD Sc 252 884.2 220.4 854.6 847.2 -7.4 217.4 215.7 Meopham School FD Sp 89 521.1 173.7 407.3 506.3 99 176 173.9 Northfleet School for Girls CY B&E 163 516 166.9 524.2 518.7 -5.5 167.5 161.5 Page 111 Northfleet Technology College FD T 88 520 180.5 334 469.3 135.3 115.8 165.6 Saint George's Church of England School VA H 207 535.2 156.9 613.4 498.2 -115.2 175.3 149.2 St John's Catholic Comprehensive VA A 182 471.1 173.2 604.4 552.3 -52.1 195.6 185.3 Thamesview School FD - - - -

Key Independent IND Business and Enterprise B&E Community school CY Technology T Foundation school FD Humanities H Voluntary Aided school VA Arts A Maths, Computing and Languages M&CL Science Sc Sport Sp

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 104 [August 2009] Appendix 11 : Proportion of NEET’s in Kent 2008 Page 112

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 105 [August 2009] Appendix 12 : Gravesham Ward Average Life Expectancy

Page 113

Scale/Key: 74-76 76-78 78-80 80-82 82-84 WARDS

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 106 [August 2009] Appendix 13 : Gravesham Ward Smoking Prevalence

Page 114

Scale/Key: 0-20 21-25 26-30 31-35 36+ Wards

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 107 [August 2009] Appendix 14 : Teenage Conception Rates in Gravesham LA Electoral Ward 2002-04

[TBC]

Page 115

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 108 [August 2009] Appendix 15 : Index of Multiple Deprivation 2007

[TBC]

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Community Data Profile for Gravesham 109 [August 2009] Appendix 16 : Index of Multiple Deprivation 2007 (Employment)

Employment Within top 20% most deprived Domain South National East Kent KCC Rank Rank Rank Rank Gravesham In The EMP. (out of (out of (out of (out of Rank (out In South In LSOA WARD NAME SCORE 32,482) 5,319) 1,047) 883) of 63) England East In KCC Gravesham E01024278 Northfleet North 0.21 2,484 71 28 27 1 Y Y Y Y E01024308 Westcourt 0.21 2,654 78 32 31 2 Y Y Y Y E01024306 Singlewell 0.19 3,183 99 39 36 3 Y Y Y Y E01024257 Central 0.19 3,231 101 41 38 4 Y Y Y Y E01024305 Singlewell 0.18 3,780 127 53 48 5 Y Y Y Y Page 117 E01024294 Riverside 0.17 4,838 177 68 58 6 Y Y Y Y E01024295 Riverside 0.16 5,617 230 85 71 7 Y Y Y Y E01024280 Northfleet South 0.15 6,623 311 115 99 8 Y Y Y E01024289 Pelham 0.15 6,657 320 117 100 9 Y Y Y E01024277 Northfleet North 0.15 6,731 328 119 102 10 Y Y Y E01024315 Whitehill 0.14 6,919 340 124 107 11 Y Y Y E01024290 Pelham 0.14 7,887 422 152 128 12 Y Y Y E01024311 Westcourt 0.13 8,031 429 154 130 13 Y Y Y E01024264 Coldharbour 0.13 8,363 454 162 137 14 Y Y E01024293 Riverside 0.13 8,811 498 176 147 15 Y Y E01024309 Westcourt 0.12 9,212 535 188 157 16 Y Y E01024307 Singlewell 0.12 9,659 585 203 167 17 Y Y E01024310 Westcourt 0.12 9,805 599 206 170 18 Y Y E01024296 Riverside 0.11 10,399 660 226 187 19 Y E01024291 Pelham 0.11 10,606 682 232 192 20 Y

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 110 [August 2009]

South National East Kent KCC Rank Rank Rank Rank Gravesham In The EMP. (out of (out of (out of (out of Rank (out In South In LSOA WARD NAME SCORE 32,482) 5,319) 1,047) 883) of 63) England East In KCC Gravesham E01024258 Central 0.10 12,400 897 290 242 21 Y E01024279 Northfleet North 0.10 12,654 924 297 248 22 Y E01024263 Coldharbour 0.10 13,088 978 310 256 23 Y E01024304 Singlewell 0.09 14,464 1,155 348 282 24 E01024262 Coldharbour 0.09 14,556 1,173 352 285 25 E01024292 Pelham 0.08 16,132 1,412 419 340 26 Page 118 E01024312 Westcourt 0.08 16,152 1,417 421 342 27 E01024266 Higham 0.08 16,346 1,453 433 351 28 E01024287 Painters Ash 0.08 16,610 1,498 442 358 29 E01024319 Woodlands 0.08 16,664 1,507 446 362 30 E01024260 Central 0.08 16,777 1,526 450 365 31 E01024284 Northfleet South 0.08 18,072 1,729 497 406 32 E01024283 Northfleet South 0.07 19,563 1,955 543 448 33 E01024281 Northfleet South 0.07 20,235 2,085 571 471 34 E01024317 Woodlands 0.07 20,326 2,098 574 474 35 E01024276 Northfleet North 0.07 20,387 2,110 576 475 36 E01024303 Singlewell 0.07 20,701 2,155 589 487 37 E01024285 Painters Ash 0.06 21,062 2,207 602 498 38 E01024282 Northfleet South 0.06 21,295 2,245 609 505 39 E01024314 Whitehill 0.06 21,765 2,330 625 519 40 E01024271 Meopham North 0.06 21,917 2,360 633 526 41 E01024267 Higham 0.06 22,003 2,379 640 532 42

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 111 [August 2009] South National East Kent KCC Rank Rank Rank Rank Gravesham In The EMP. (out of (out of (out of (out of Rank (out In South In LSOA WARD NAME SCORE 32,482) 5,319) 1,047) 883) of 63) England East In KCC Gravesham Meopham South and E01024274 Vigo 0.06 22,385 2,433 652 540 43 Meopham South and E01024273 Vigo 0.06 22,791 2,504 664 551 44 E01024288 Painters Ash 0.06 23,395 2,608 684 567 45 E01024261 Chalk 0.06 23,541 2,637 691 572 46 E01024318 Woodlands 0.05 24,141 2,732 712 586 47 E01024286 Painters Ash 0.05 24,439 2,783 726 598 48 Shorne, Cobham and E01024301 Luddesdown 0.05 24,729 2,843 740 611 49 Page 119 E01024313 Whitehill 0.05 25,053 2,910 757 627 50 E01024316 Woodlands 0.05 26,100 3,111 795 660 51 E01024299 Riverview 0.05 26,180 3,126 800 665 52 E01024297 Riverview 0.05 26,505 3,205 821 682 53 Shorne, Cobham and E01024302 Luddesdown 0.05 26,543 3,213 823 684 54 E01024270 Meopham North 0.05 26,757 3,270 836 696 55 E01024298 Riverview 0.05 26,786 3,278 838 698 56 E01024268 Istead Rise 0.05 26,850 3,295 842 701 57 Shorne, Cobham and E01024300 Luddesdown 0.04 28,013 3,584 893 744 58 E01024265 Higham 0.04 28,027 3,588 894 745 59 E01024259 Central 0.04 28,090 3,607 895 746 60 E01024269 Istead Rise 0.04 28,657 3,767 915 764 61 E01024272 Meopham North 0.04 29,360 3,986 958 801 62 Meopham South and E01024275 Vigo 0.04 29,758 4,101 972 815 63

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 112 [August 2009] Appendix 17 : Modelled household income, after housing costs 2004-05

[TBC]

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Community Data Profile for Gravesham 113 [August 2009]

Appendix 18 : Gravesham Ward Unemployment Rate Changes July 2008 to 2009

Current Unemployment District Jul-08 Jul-09 Total Change % Change % rate Central 125 203 78 62.4 4.8 Chalk 14 29 15 107.1 2.3 Coldharbour 82 140 58 70.7 4.7 Higham 20 62 42 210 2.6 Istead Rise 17 47 30 176.5 2.4

Meopham North 16 61 45 281.3 2.5 Page 121 Meopham South 19 62 43 226.3 2.2 Northfleet North 185 279 94 50.8 5.7 Northfleet South 92 198 107 117.6 4.5 Painters Ash 53 83 30 56.6 2.4 Pelham 159 271 112 70.4 6.2 Riverside 161 291 130 80.7 6.9 Riverview 33 67 34 103 2.5 Shorne, Cobham and Luddesdown 19 51 32 168.4 2.1 Singlewell 118 222 104 88.1 5.2 Westcourt 142 259 117 82.4 6.4 Whitehill 71 114 43 60.6 4.2 Woodlands 68 129 61 89.7 3.3 Gravesham 1394 2568 1174 84.21 4.3

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 114 [August 2009]

Appendix 19 : Gravesham Ward Level of Financial Stress

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Scale/Key: 1-4% 4-8% 10-20% 20-30% 30+% WARDS

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 115 [August 2009]

Appendix 20 : Proportion of the population of Gravesham wards within the eight Mosaic types suffering the most financial stress

Ward Ward pop Total ward Penetration Ward code of 8 types population (%) 29UGGL Singlewell 2,520 7,414 34.0 29UGGD Northfleet North 2,474 7,321 33.8 29UGGH Riverside 1,806 6,381 28.3 29UGGM Westcourt 1,610 6,663 24.2 29UGGE Northfleet South 751 6,594 11.4 29UGFY Coldharbour 494 4,521 10.9 29UGGN Whitehill 337 4,383 7.7 29UGGP Woodlands 428 6,149 7.0 29UGFW Central 308 6,358 4.8 29UGGG Pelham 204 6,465 3.2 Page 123 29UGGF Painters Ash 98 5,852 1.7 29UGGK Shorne, Cobham and Luddesdown 0 4,224 0.0 29UGGJ Riverview 0 4,493 0.0 29UGGC Meopham South and Vigo 0 4,508 0.0 29UGGB Meopham North 0 4,283 0.0 29UGGA Istead Rise 0 3,541 0.0 29UGFZ Higham 0 4,025 0.0 29UGFX Chalk 0 2,195 0.0

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 116 [August 2009] Appendix 21 : Gravesham Electoral Wards

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1 – Pelham 7 – Meopham North 13 – Coldharbour 2 – Central 8 – Chalk 14 – Whitehill 3 – Higham 9 – Westcourt 15 – Northfleet North 4 – Shorne, Cobham and Luddesdown 10 – Riverview 16 – Northfleet South 5 – Singlewell 11 – Istead Rise 17 – Riverside 6 – Meopham South and Vigo 12 – Painters Ash 18 – Woodlands

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 117 [August 2009] Appendix 22: Index of Sources

Introduction

The table below acts as an index table and provides details of the various sources of evidence that have been recorded and used for corporate analysis including relevant web links. The table is based around the ‘ten quality of life’ themes outlined by the Audit Commission guidance; “The Components of an Area Profile ”.

This information allows Gravesham Borough Council the opportunity to better understand the strategic priorities affecting quality of life that are prevalent within the Gravesham community and ultimately has been critical in the formation of the data profile.

Data profiling as a method is a continuous process as the council seek to identify any growing trends within the various sectors of the community and therefore the information in the table below will constantly be updated to ensure the latest and most accurate data is captured for analysis.

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Community Data Profile for Gravesham 118 [August 2009]

Theme Data Set Evidence Source Date GIS Analysis Corporate Plan (Y/N) Goal All -- Gravesham Data Audit Commission Mar 2006 N All Profile All -- We are the People of KCC 2009 Y – multi All Kent 2009 opportunities All -- Kent Profile KCC Feb 2009 N All All -- Gravesham / Kent Department for July 2009 N All Place Survey Communities and Comparison 2008-09 Local Government All -- LDF Baseline Reports Gravesham Borough Summer N All

Council 2009 Page 126 Community Influence over local Electoral results Electoral Commission -- N Goal 2.6 - involvement decisions affecting Communities and cohesion the area Community Influence over local Electoral results (2009 BBC June 2009 N Goal 2.6 - involvement decisions affecting Local Election) Communities and cohesion the area Community Influence over local Electoral results (2005 Gravesham Borough 2005 N Goal 2.6 - involvement decisions affecting General Election) Council Communities and cohesion the area Community Influence over local Electoral results (2007 Gravesham Borough 2007 N Goal 2.6 - involvement decisions affecting Local Elections) Council Communities and cohesion the area Community Influence over local Electoral results (2009 KCC June 2009 N Goal 2.6 - involvement decisions affecting County Council Communities and cohesion the area Elections) Community Influence over local Electoral results (2009 KCC June 2009 N Goal 2.6 - involvement decisions affecting County Council Communities and cohesion the area Elections)

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 119 [August 2009] Theme Data Set Evidence Source Date GIS Analysis Corporate Plan (Y/N) Goal Community Influence over local Electoral results (2009 KCC June 2009 N Goal 2.6 - involvement decisions affecting County Council Communities and cohesion the area Elections) Community Feelings of safety, Strategic Assessment Dartford and November Y Goal 1.1 - Safety levels of crime of 2008 Gravesham Crime and 2008 Environment different sorts; anti- Disorder Reduction social behaviours, Partnership (CDRP) disorder and drug related offences. Community Drug offences DAAT CDRP Report Dartford and June 2009 N Goal 1.1 - Safety Gravesham Crime and Environment Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) Page 127 Community Fire safety Dartford and Kent Fire and Rescue 2008 N Goal 1.1 - Safety Gravesham Area Service Environment Profile 2008 Community Accidents in home, Kent NHS - Public Director of Public 2007 N Goal 1.1 - Safety at work, and roads Health Annual Report Health for Kent Environment for Kent 2007 Community Accidents on the Hansard – MP Hansard - House of Jan 2006 N Goal 1.1 - Safety roads Question Commons Daily Environment 9 Jan 2006 Debates Community Accidents on the Hansard – MP Hansard - House of Jan 2006 N Goal 1.1 - Safety roads Question Commons Daily Environment 24 Jan 2006 Debates

Culture and Tourism Cultural Olympiad in Caterina Loriggio 2009 N Goal 2 – Leisure the South East Communities / Goal 4 Business

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 120 [August 2009] Theme Data Set Evidence Source Date GIS Analysis Corporate Plan (Y/N) Goal Culture and Arts, sports, tourism GO Gravesham – Link Gravesham Borough 2009 N Goal 2.3 - Leisure to London 2012 news Council Communities Culture and Recreation, Parks LDF Baseline Report Gravesham Borough 2009 N Goal 2 - Leisure Council Communities / Goal 4 Business Culture and Recreation, Parks Parks and Open KCC 2009 N Goal 2 - Leisure Spaces Communities / Goal 4 Business Economic Employment Economic Bulletin KCC Feb 2009 N Goal 4.1 - well-being Business

Economic Employment District Economic KCC Feb 2009 N Goal 4.1 - Page 128 well-being Profile Business Economic Employment, wages Gravesham Economic KCC Nov 2008 N Goal 4.1 - well-being Profile 2008 Business Economic Employment, type Economic Profile Office for National 2008 N Goal 4.1 / 4.3 - well-being of businesses Statistics Business Economic Employment, Economic Activity by SEEDA June 2007 N Goal 4.1 - well-being economic inactivity Equalities Group Business Economic Benefit payments Unemployment by SEEDA June 2007 N Goal 4.1 - well-being Equalities Group Business Economic Levels of Regional Economic SEEDA Oct 2006 N Goal 4.1 - well-being deprivation, Strategy 2006-16 Business employment Economic Wages, emp. & type Forecast of Kent’s KCC July 2008 Y Goal 4.1 / 4.3 - well-being household income, Resident Workforce (Weekly Earnings Business type of business 2008 at district level) Economic Employment, District Monthly KCC -- Y (unemployment Goal 3.1 - well-being economic inactivity, Unemployment Bulletin payments at Housing benefit payments district level) Goal 4.1 - Business

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 121 [August 2009] Theme Data Set Evidence Source Date GIS Analysis Corporate Plan (Y/N) Goal Economic Employment Ward Monthly KCC -- Y Goal 3.1 - well-being Unemployment Bulletin (Unemployment Housing rate at ward level) Goal 4.1 - Business Economic Benefit payments Benefits Claimants NOMIS Nov 2008 N Goal 4.1 - well-being Business

Economic Employment The Origins and KCC Sept 2008 N Goal 4.1 - well-being Destination of Business Graduates in Kent Economic Employment, Annual Business KCC Mar 2009 N Goal 4.1 / 4.3 - well-being number and type of Inquiry – 1995 – 2007 Business businesses in the Page 129 area Economic Wages, LDF: Baseline Report Gravesham Borough 2009 N Goal 4.2 - well-being employment Council Business Economic Type of businesses Town Centre Health KCC 2007 N Goal 4.3 - well-being Indicators Report 2007 Business Economic Household income Earnings in Kent KCC 2008 Y Goal 4.1 - well-being (resident earnings Business at district level) Economic Number and type of Kent Rural Network – Kent Rural Network 2009 N Goal 4.1 - well-being businesses in the Rural Economy of Kent Business area Economic Employment Change in Tourism KCC Mar 2009 N Goal 4.2 - well-being Employment 1995- Business 2007 Economic -- Shopping Habits post- KCC 2000 N Goal 4.3 - well-being Bluewater 2000 Business

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 122 [August 2009] Theme Data Set Evidence Source Date GIS Analysis Corporate Plan (Y/N) Goal Economic Levels of The Pattern of KCC Jan 2008 Y – Goal 4.1 - well-being deprivation Deprivation in Kent (ward level data Business 2007 for deprivation levels) Economic Wages Financial stress in KCC 2007 Y Goal 4.1 - well-being Kent Business Economic Type of businesses Town Centre Review SEEDA 2006 N Goal 4.3 - well-being Business Economic Levels of IMD 2007 Dept. for Communities 2007 Y Goal 4.1 - well-being deprivation and Local Govt Business

Page 130 Education School attainment, Learning and Skills Kent Thameside 2009 N Youth Portfolio and lifelong skills levels Strategy Goal 4.1 - learning Business

Education School attainment Kent’s Children and Kent Children’s Trust May 2009 N Youth Portfolio and lifelong Young Persons Plan learning 08-11

Education Adult education LDF: Baseline Report Gravesham Borough 2009 N Youth Portfolio / and lifelong services, skill levels Council Goal 4 Business learning Education Schools attainment GCSE Results 2008 Department for 2008 Y Youth Portfolio and lifelong Children, Schools and (GCSE results at learning Families ward level) Education Schools attainment A-Level Results 2007 Department for 2007 Y Youth Portfolio and lifelong Children, Schools and (A-Level results learning Families at ward level)

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 123 [August 2009] Theme Data Set Evidence Source Date GIS Analysis Corporate Plan (Y/N) Goal Environment Energy Electricity DECC 2008 N Goal 1.3 – management Consumption 2005-07 Environment Environment Energy Gas Consumption DECC 2008 N Goal 1.3 – management 2005-07 Environment Environment Energy Total Energy DECC 2008 N Goal 1.3 – management Consumption 2006 Environment Environment Energy Renewable Energy SEE Stats 2008 N Goal 1.3 – management Statistics for Kent Environment Environment Pollution – air CO2 Emissions and KCC Feb 2009 Y Goal 1.4 – quality Energy Conservation (Ind. vs domestic Environment CO2 emissions at district level) Environment Water quality Southern Region Drinking Water June 2008 N Goal 1.3 – Page 131 Drinking Water 2007 Inspectorate Environment Environment Water quality Thames Region Drinking Water June 2008 N Goal 1.3 - Drinking Water 2007 Inspectorate Environment Environment Air Quality Air Quality in Kent and Kent Air July 2009 N Goal 1.4 - Medway Environment Environment Flooding Thames Estuary 2100 Environment Agency July 2009 N Goal 1.3 - Environment Environment Natural Landscape Cobham Park Gravesham Borough July 2009 N Goal 5.2 – Council Regeneration Environment Natural Landscape Landscape and Nature Gravesham Borough July 2009 N Goal 5.2 – Conservation Council Regeneration Environment Natural Landscape Contaminate Land Gravesham Borough July 2009 N Goal 5.2 – Strategy 2001 Council Regeneration

Health and Life expectancy Gravesham Health NHS – West Kent PCT 2008 Y Goal 2.5 - social well- Profile 2008 (deprivation 2007 Communities being at ward level)

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 124 [August 2009] Theme Data Set Evidence Source Date GIS Analysis Corporate Plan (Y/N) Goal Health and Life expectancy Gravesham Health NHS – West Kent PCT 2009 Y Goal 2.5 - social well- Profile 2009 (deprivation 2007 Communities being at ward level) Health and Life expectancy Kent Health Profile NHS – West Kent PCT 2008 Y Goal 2.5 - social well- 2008 (deprivation 2007 Communities being at district level) Health and Birth and death Health Management Director of Public 2006 Y Goal 2.4 - social well- rates, life Summary Report 2006 Health for Kent (Obesity at district Communities being expectancy, people level) with long-term

conditions, access Page 132 to quality health and social services Health and Public health Hospital Admissions Office for National July 2009 N Goal 2.5 - social well- measures Statistics Communities being Health and Birth and death Births and Deaths in KCC Nov 2008 N Goal 2.5 - social well- rates Kent 2007 Communities being Health and Life expectancy Gravesham LA Health Association of Public July 2009 & Y - (life Goal 2.4 - social well- Inequalities Health Observatories 2008 expectancy, Communities being smoking, indices of deprivation at ward level) Health and People with long- Drug analysis for Kent Drug and Action June 2009 N Goals 2.5 social well- term conditions Gravesham Team Communities being Health and People with long- Health by Equalities SEEDA June 2007 N Goals 2.5 / 2.7 - social well- term conditions Group Communities being

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 125 [August 2009] Theme Data Set Evidence Source Date GIS Analysis Corporate Plan (Y/N) Goal Health and Death rates Gravesham Cases of Office for National 2008 N Goals 2.4 / 2.5 - social well- Coronary Artery Statistics Communities being Bypass Graft

Health and Death rates Gravesham Cases of Office for National 2008 N Goals 2.4 / 2.5 - social well- Coronary Heart Statistics Communities being Disease Housing Types of tenure, LDF Baseline Report Gravesham Borough 2009 N Goal 3.5 - supply Council Housing Housing Ownership, supply Key Figures for Office for National Mar 2007 N Goals 3.1 / 3.4 - Housing Statistics Housing Housing Types of tenure Council Tenants QCL Market Research Nov 2008 N Goals 3.1 / 3.4 / Satisfaction Survey 3.5 - Page 133 2008 Housing Housing Types of tenure, Tenant Profile 2005 Gravesham Borough Oct 2005 N Goal 3.5 - supply Council Housing Housing Supply, resource Gravesham Housing KCC March 2008 N Goal 3.4 - use, location. Information Audit Housing 07/08

Housing Types of tenure, Housing Forecasts KCC Sep 2008 N Goal 3.1-3.5 - supply. Housing Housing Resource use Kent Land Use KCC 2005 N Goals - 5.2 - Regeneration 4.1 – Business Housing Homelessness Homeless Households KCC Dec 08 N Goal 3.1 - in Kent Housing Housing Location Housing Density 07-08 KCC Feb 09 N Goal 3.1 / 3.4 - Housing

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 126 [August 2009] Theme Data Set Evidence Source Date GIS Analysis Corporate Plan (Y/N) Goal Housing Affordability of Earnings, Income and KCC 2007 N Goal 4.1 - housing Housing Affordability in Business Kent 2007 Housing Supply Review of Social The Consultancy Sept 2008 N Goal 3.1 - Housing Provision for Company Housing Older People in Gravesham Sept 2008 Housing Decency standards Gravesham Borough MHA Ltd 2006 N Goal 3.3 - Council House Housing Condition Survey –

2006 Page 134 People and Diversity, Migrant Workers in KCC Sept 2008 Goals - Places Population Kent 02/03 – 07/08 2.6 /2.7 - dynamics Communities 3.4 - Housing 4.1 - Business People and Size, density, The Older People of KCC Nov 2008 Y All Place household Kent KCC composition, age, gender and ethnicity. People and Age, density Community KCC Mar 2009 N All Place Infrastructure Provision Review 2009 People and Age, size, density, Gravesham District KCC Aug 2009 N All Place gender Profile People and Size Mid-year Population KCC N All Place Estimates – 1992-2007

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 127 [August 2009] Theme Data Set Evidence Source Date GIS Analysis Corporate Plan (Y/N) Goal People and Size, ethnicity Ethnic Population KCC April 2009 Y –(BME total All Place Estimates – 2007 density at district level) People and Migration patterns International Migrants KCC Oct 2008 N Goals - Place in Kent 2.6 /2.7 - Communities 3.1 / 3.4 - Housing 4.1 - Business People and Heritage, tourism Enhancing our Kent Thameside 2009 N Goal 4.2 Place Heritage Business People and Size, age, ethnicity, Gravesham SEEDA May 2007 N All Place religion, migration, Demographics Page 135 gender People and Size, density, Census 2001 and DEFRA Oct 2004 N All Place household Access to Services composition, age, Focus on Rural Areas gender. People and Migration patterns UK Immigration and Work Permit.com Aug 2009 N Goals - Place asylum Latest 2.6 /2.7 - Statistics Communities 3.1 / 3.4 - Housing 4.1 - Business Transport Mode of travel, Travel to Work KCC 2007 N Goal - 5.3 and access distance to work Patterns in Kent Regeneration Transport Public transport, Town Centre Health KCC 2007 N Goal - 5.3 and access walking, cycling. Indicators Report 2007 Regeneration Transport Public transport SE train network Southeastern 2009 N Goal - 5.3 and access Regeneration

Community Data Profile for Gravesham 128 [August 2009] Theme Data Set Evidence Source Date GIS Analysis Corporate Plan (Y/N) Goal Transport Public Transport Personal Injury KCC June 2009 N Goal – 1.1 and access Crashes on Kent Environment Roads 2008

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Community Data Profile for Gravesham 129 [August 2009]