State of Luton Quality of Life INTERIM REPORT 2005

State of Luton Quality of Life

INTERIM REPORT 2005 State of Luton Quality of Life – Interim Report 2005/6

Preface

The State of Luton Quality of Life Report will provide statistical information to enable the ongoing monitoring of the Community Plan and other key strategies such as the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy. It is envisaged that this will be the first of a series of reports that will demonstrate changes within Luton.

Within the Community Plan there are a number of statistical indicators that can be used to monitor the impact that the plan has on residents and businesses in Luton. There are also similar indicators identified within a range of related strategy documents. There is, however, no agreed process to monitor the community plan. The report aims to produce a definitive statement of quality of life indicators in Luton drawn from indicators identified within the community plan and other key documents. The project will also help to ensure that monitoring is co-ordinated and that [a] there is no duplication of effort, [b] common data standards are applied and hence data is consistent.

The report follows the themed structure of the community plan to aid cross-referencing between the two documents. The order of the themes is arbitrary and no priority or precedence should be taken for one over another. The order of indicators within themes is also arbitrary.

There are gaps in the draft report where information is not or has not been made available. Efforts will be made to plug these as the final report is produced later this year.

The report is a collaborative effort that has taken place within the auspices of the Luton Community Information Observatory Project. This is enabling the indicator data to be published at the small area level on the Internet. The various organisations that provided information to the project are to be thanked for their contribution.

This is an interim report. It contains data for the 2003/4 financial year. The final report is scheduled for publication in Autumn 2005. This will contain 2004/5 financial year later and will, for each indicator, identify the direction of change over the two years. It is hoped that this report will be used to provoke discussion on the nature of Luton in the future and contribute to the identification of s strategic vision for the Borough.

If you have any comments on the Interim State of Luton Quality of Life Report, please contact the Research & Intelligence Team at Luton Borough Council on 01582-546328 or e-mail to [email protected]

Paul R Barton Team Leader Research & Intelligence Team Luton Borough Council CONTENTS

Page Introduction 1

Luton in Context 8

A Safe and Secure Luton 32

A Greener, Cleaner Luton with Sustainable Communities and Accessible Services 77

A Healthy and Caring Luton 88

A Learned and Skilled Luton 102

A Working and Prosperous Luton 113

A Dynamic and Creative Luton 128

Summary 132

Appendix 145

QoL Audit Commission Quality of Life Indicators

BV Best Value Performance Indicator

ComP Community Plan Indicator/Target

LBC CP LB Council Corporate Plan

NR Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy Indicators/ Floor Targets (SR04 PSA 1)

i A SAFE AND SECURE LUTON

In 2012, Luton is to be a town where there is a low risk of crime, people feel safe to lead their lives, residents have less fear of crime than residents of three quarters of similar urban areas in England.

Priorities for Action:

Priority 1 – Environment and quality of life 1.1 Ensure there is less Violence Against the Person

QoL 16 Crimes committed: BVPI * domestic burglaries (per 1,000 households) * violent offences (per 1,000 population) * vehicle crimes (per 1,000 population) ComP 8 Reduced overall levels of violent crime (including Violence Against Person, Sexual and Robbery) BV127a Violent offences committed by a stranger per 1,000 population. BV127c Violent offences committed in connection with licensed premises per 1,000 population. BV127d Violent offences committed under the influence per 1,000 population.

1.2 Fear of crime on the street

QoL 15 (a) Percentage of residents surveyed who feel ‘fairly safe’ or ‘very BVPI safe’ after dark whilst outside in the local authority area (b) Percentage of residents surveyed who feel ‘fairly safe’ or ‘very safe’ during the day whilst outside in the local authority area.

1.3 Ensure parks and play areas are safe 1.4 Increase Visibility of Police Presence 1.5 Faster removal of abandoned vehicles

ii BV number abandoned vehicles. ComP21 Reduce levels of abandoned and unlicensed vehicles and ‘fly- tipping’ on streets

1.6 Arson and Malicious Fire Calls Reduction

BV number of arson incidents recorded. ComP19 Reduce the number of deliberate fires. ComP20 Reduce number of malicious calls to fire and rescue service.

Priority 2 – Youth Safety and Youth Justice 2.1 Activities for young people 2.2 Reduce School Truancy 2.3 Use measures available to deter re-offending and nuisance behaviour 2.4 Provide advise/support to young people to prevent them becoming involved in crime or being the victims of crime

ComP12 Reduce numbers of young people committing offences. NR15 BV Young offenders. LBC CP4 The number of young people who are victims to have reduced.

Priority 3 – Alcohol and drug misuse 3.1 Drug and alcohol-related crime 3.2 Reduce access to drugs 3.3 Reduce abuse of alcohol on licensed premises 3.4 Increase outreach advise service to young people

ComP28 Increase the number of people referred for treatment upon arrest for an offence, from 552 in 2001/02 to 575 in 2002/03, and then increase numbers taking up treatment in 2003/04 and in 2004/05.

Priority 4 – Violence and Harassment 4.1 Robbery / Mugging 4.2 Domestic Violence

iii 4.3 Hate Crime 4.4 Home Burglary

NR14 Reduce Robbery by 14% from 1999/00 to 2005. ComP 9 Reduce levels of robberies. BV174 The number of racial incidents recorded by the authority per 100,000 population. - domestic violence no. incidents reported. QoL 16 Crimes committed: BVPI * domestic burglaries (per 1,000 households) * violent offences (per 1,000 population) * vehicle crimes (per 1,000 population) BV126 Domestic burglaries per 1,000 households. ComP10 Reduce levels of domestic burglaries. NR13 Reduce Domestic burglary by 25% from 1998/99 to 2005. BV128 Vehicle crimes per 1,000 population. ComP11 Reduce levels of vehicle related crime (includes Theft of Motor Vehicle and Theft from Motor Vehicle) NR12 Reduce Vehicle crime by 30% from 1998/99 to 2004.

Community Cohesion – Cross Cutting Theme The points below describe how community cohesion issues are being addressed by the Crime Theme Group: • Strong links between LBC / Bedfordshire Police to ensure crime prevention news gets through • Stakeholder representation on CDRP • CNN being introduced to create a more cohesive community • Representation of the Police on Statutory Agencies, Police Authority • Crime & Disorder Strategy document on website • Encourage multi-agency solutions to racist incidents & Hate Crimes and better support for victims • Ensure that all community groups are consulted on the Crime & Disorder reduction strategies • Work with community groups to strengthen the sense of belonging and cohesion • Ensure that no one is to be seriously disadvantaged by where they live

iv Improved resourcing and performance of multi-agency partnership working in respect of crime and disorder reduction.

NR11 Reducing the gap between the highest Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRP) and the best comparable areas.

Key partners: Luton Borough Council, Police, Fire Service, Safer Luton Partnership, NACRO, Luton Multi-Agency Domestic Violence Forum, Schools.

A GREENER, CLEANER LUTON WITH SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES AND ACCESSIBLE SERVICES

In 2012, Luton is to be an attractive town that has a clean environment with greater biodiversity, and green space protected and enhanced for the future and where the housing needs of all sections of the community is met and there is an improved access and mobility for all members of the community.

Priorities for Action:

Priority 1 – Reduce the consumption of water, energy and materials by promoting efficient use of resources and discourage waste 1.1 Reduce waste going to landfill and increase reuse and recycling 1.2 Improve energy efficiency

QoL 32 Percentage of total tonnage of household waste that has been: BVPI * recycled

Priority 2 – Protect and enhance the natural and built environment 2.1 Protect and Conserve Green space and biodiversity in the Borough and identify opportunities for creating accessible green spaces 2.2 Improve the condition of buildings and cleansing of streets, parks, green spaces and public spaces

QoL 17 Percentage of residents surveyed who are concerned about

v different types of noise in their area. QoL 18 Percentage of residents surveyed who are satisfied with their local area as a place to live. QoL 19 Percentage of residents surveyed who consider that their local area is getting worse. QoL 27 Air pollution: Number of days per year when air pollution is ‘moderate’ or ‘higher’ for PM10 QoL 29 Percentage of main rivers and canals rated as ‘good’ or ‘fair’ quality QoL 34 Percentage of highways that are either of a ‘high’ or ‘acceptable’ standard of cleanliness BVPI 199 Percentage of all areas of relevant land within the Borough not found at an acceptable standard of cleanliness1:

Priority 3 – Improve access and mobility for all the community with minimal detriment to the environment 3.1 Improve quality and access to public transport 3.2 Reduce need to travel particularly by car 3.3 Reduce adverse safety, health and environmental impacts of transport

LBC CP7 Travel to Luton town centre by public transport to have increased by 15% compared to 1999. This indicator is no longer being measured. QoL 35 Annual average traffic flow per 1000km of principle roads QoL 36 Percentage of residents surveyed who used different modes of transport, their reasons for, and distance of, travel. QoL 37 Percentage of children travelling to (a) primary school, and (b) secondary school by different modes. ROAD SAFETY

NR18 Reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured in road accidents by 40%. NR19 The number of children killed or seriously injured by 50%. NR20 By 2010 compared with the average for 1994-98, tackling the significantly higher incidence in disadvantaged communities. BV99 Road Safety Number of Casualties per 100,000 population broken down by nature of casualties and road user type.

1 Street Services; Luton Borough Council

vi Priority 4 – Meet the housing needs of all sections of the community 4.1 Maximise the provision from the L/D/HR growth area to meet Luton’s housing needs to align with local strategies and plans 4.2 To increase the amount of useable housing stock whilst ensuring sustainable communities with access to services 4.3 Quality of housing to be decent, fit, dry, safe and affordable for all

BV184a The proportion of local authority homes which were non-decent at 1 April 2003. ComP22 Reduce by number of non decent households in the most deprived NR21 areas ComP23 Identify which properties are non decent NR22 LBC CP8 To bring at least 60 long-term empty houses back into occupation each year (no data to report as yet). QoL 14 Number of unfit homes per 100,000 dwellings.

QoL 33 (a) Proportion of land stock that is derelict BVPI (b) Percentage of new housing development on previously developed land

QoL 13 Affordable housing (house price/earnings affordability ratio).

Community Cohesion – Cross Cutting Theme The points below describe how community cohesion issues are being addressed by the Environment and Sustainable Theme Group: • Help to create a cleaner, safer environment • Work in partnership with key stakeholders to protect existing green spaces • Contribute to a policy where there is a minimal loss of family housing • All tenants to live in decent accommodation by 2010 • Transport links to be strengthened • Work with partners to implement the recommendations in MKSM strategy • Help address needs of deprived neighbourhoods by getting involved with programmes including New Deal • Contribute to policies that reduce the effects of poverty (e.g. Affordable Warmth)

Key partners: Luton Borough Council, Friends of the Earth, Luton Committee for Racial Harmony, Luton and Dunstable Innovation Centre, LIMA, Jephson, North Chilterns Trust.

vii A HEALTHY AND CARING LUTON

In 2012, Luton is to be a town where all residents have access to appropriate health care and the vulnerable, elderly and young lead independent lives, and play as full a part in society as they can.

Priorities for Action:

Priority 1 – Ensure equity of access to health and social care 1.1 Ensuring the take up of services across the town matches the population needs and takes account of demographic and epidemiological factors

Priority 2 – Reducing the health inequalities with a specific focus on action to reduce the key risk factors 2.1 Improve health in the neighbourhood renewal wards by taking action to address key risk factors 2.2 Reduce ill health associated with diabetes by earlier identification of diabetes and earlier treatment for complications

ComP18 Reduce rate of smoking in manual groups from 32% in 1998 to 26% by 2010. ComP13 Reduce the incidence of TB LBC CP5 The gap between life expectancy of people in Luton versus UK to have halved. BV Respiratory illness. NR17 Reduce gap between the fifth of areas with the lowest life expectancy at birth and the population as a whole.

QoL 10 Death rate by cause (standardised mortality rate per 100,000 population in the following categories): • cancer in under 75s • circulatory diseases in under 75s • suicide and undetermined injury – all ages • all accidents – all ages

Priority 3 – Improving the health of children and young people 3.1 To promote healthy lifestyles with young people by taking action to reduce overweight / obesity, tobacco, alcohol and drug use 3.2 To improve the sexual health of young people in Luton

viii ComP15 % of women who smoke during pregnancy LBC CP6 death rate for babies in Luton down to national average. QoL 11 Infant mortality (number of deaths of infants under a year old and number of still births – per 1,000 live births). ComP14 reduce perinatal mortality NR16 By 2010 reduce the inequality in rates between the fifth of wards with the highest under 18 conception rate and the average ward rate by at least 25%. QoL 12 Rate of conceptions among girls aged less than 18 years. ComP16 teenage pregnancy BV197 Change in the number of conceptions to females aged under 18, resident in an area, per thousand females aged 15-17 resident in the area, compared with the baseline year of 1998.

Priority 4 – Improving care to Vulnerable People 4.1 To develop joint working systems to help support vulnerable people to live independently 4.2 To develop joint working systems to access and support young people who are carers 4.3 To provide improved access to mental health services and treatment within the community

Community Cohesion – Cross Cutting Theme The points below describe how community cohesion issues are being addressed by the Health and Caring Theme Group: • The theme group will contribute to the well being of all residents by advising / contributing on priorities for action • Assisting to promote specific health promotion activities focusing on wider determinants (housing, food, exercise) • Work with PCT and key partners in their efforts to reduce health gap between poorest and most wealthy • Provide greater patient choice and more tailored services to meet specific needs • Reduce health inequalities

Key partners: tPCT, Voluntary Action Luton, Luton Borough Council, Sports Action Zone, Luton Drug and Alcohol Partnership, Fire and Rescue Service, LSC, Khidmat, University of Luton, Luton Multicultural Women’s Coalition.

A LEARNED AND SKILLED LUTON

In 2012, Luton is to be a town where there is a vigorous learning culture and where all communities have greater penetration in the underrepresented areas. All educational establishments build the foundation for a broad education where everyone has the opportunity to develop themselves for employment, citizenship and high standards.

Priorities for Action:

Priority 1 – Developing and Maintaining Skills 1.1 To improve access and progression to learning opportunities for all 1.2 To improve skill levels for all post 19 year olds

QoL 9 (a) Proportion of 19 yr olds with Level 2 qualifications (that is 5 BVPI GCSEs A*-C or NVQ equivalent) (b) Percentage of 15 yr old pupils in schools maintained by the local authority achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C or equivalent.

Priority 2 – Increase achievement, participation and retention in education and training for 11 to 19 year olds 2.1 Increasing level of achievement of 11 year olds at level 4 2.2 Raising standards for the 14 year olds 2.3 Increasing achievement of 16 year olds – GCSE grades A - C 2.4 Improving progression of students at transition from schools to college / sixth form or work-based learning programmes 2.5 Deliver on Luton 14 – 19 Post Inspection Action Plan (PIAP)

BV38 Percentage of 15 year old pupils in schools maintained by the local education authority achieving five or more GCSEs at grades A* - C or equivalent. BV39 Percentage of 15 year old pupils in schools maintained by the local education authority achieving 5 or more GCSEs or equivalent at grades A* to G including English and Maths. BV40 Percentage of pupils in schools maintained by the local education authority achieving Level 4 or above in the Key Stage 2 Mathematics test. BV41 Percentage of pupils in schools maintained by the local education

x authority achieving Level 4 or above in the Key Stage 2 English test.

ComP 4 DfES PSA1 85% of 11 year olds to achieve level 4 or above by NR 1 2004 NR 2 By 2004, 85% of 11 year olds achieve level 4 or above.

ComP 5 DfES PSA2 75% of 14 year olds to achieve level 5 or above in Eng, NR 3 Maths, ICT by 2004 NR 4 By 2004 75% of 14 year olds achieve level 5 or above in English, maths and ICT (70% in science) nationally. NR 5 By 2007, the number of schools where fewer than 60% of 14 year olds achieve level 5 or significantly reduced.

ComP 6 DfES PSA5 20% 16 year olds in Luton schools to achieve at least 5 NR 6 GCSEs A*-C by 2004

ComP 7 DfES GCSEs 38% pupils to achieve 5 or more GCSEs A*-C in LEA NR 7 by 2004

NR 8 By 2006 the number of schools in which fewer than 65% of pupils achieve level 4 or above. NR 9 By 2007 85% (80% in science). NR10 Increase the percentage of pupils obtaining five or more GCSEs at A*-C (at least 38 per cent to achieve this standard in every local education authority (LEA) by 2004).

BV50 Educational qualifications of children looked after (interface indicator with education services) by reference to the percentage of young people leaving care aged 16 or over with at least 1 GCSE at grades A* - G, or GNVQ. BV Children in need.

xi Community Cohesion – Cross Cutting Theme The points below describe how community cohesion issues are being addressed by the Learning and Skilled Theme Group: • All young people into education, training or jobs • Skills of employed and unemployed people need updating • Learning facilities to be more accessible • Provide tailored help to Black and minority unemployed job seekers

Key partners: Bedfordshire and Luton Learning and Skills Council, Luton Borough Council, Connexions, Luton Mentoring Project, PCT, BLEDP, Voluntary Action Luton, Barnfield College, Dunstable College, EEDA, Job Centre+, Luton and Dunstable Partnership, Dunstable Hospital NHS Trust, Holmes Peat Thorpe, Business In the Community.

A WORKING AND PROSPEROUS LUTON

In 2012, Luton is to be a town which has a well-trained workforce, a thriving business sector where there is affordable childcare for parents who want to work, and workers receive higher salaries in real terms.

Priorities for Action:

Priority 1 – Developing a Sustainable “Take it, make it, move it” High Skill Economy (Luton becomes a higher skill and higher value economy by 2014) 1.1 Increase business re-location to Luton (inward investment) 1.2 Develop an enterprise culture and increase business formation and survival 1.3 Improve the economic performance of existing businesses

BV Job density – number of filled jobs in an area/working age LBC CP2 population resident in the area QoL 4 Percentage increase or decrease in the total number of VAT registered businesses in the area.

QoL 5 Percentage increase or decrease in the number of local jobs.

Priority 2 – Reduction in unemployment 2.1 To reduce unemployment

xii

QoL 1 Proportion of people of working age in employment. LBC CP1 The proportion of working age population in work to have increased QoL 2 Proportion of people claiming unemployment benefit who have been out of work for more than a year.

QoL 3 Proportion of young people (18-24 yrs old) in full-time education or employment. ComP 1 Increase employment rate (DTI PSA 10)

ComP 2 Reduce the difference between the overall employment rate and that of ethnic minorities (DTI PSA 10)

ComP 3 Increase the employment rates of disadvantaged areas and groups (DWP – PSA4)

BV 16b The percentage of economically active disabled people in the authority area. BV 17b The economically active minority ethnic community population in the authority area.

Priority 3 – Affordable Childcare 3.1 To increase affordable child care provision

Community Cohesion – Cross Cutting Theme The points below describe how community cohesion issues are being addressed by the Working and Prosperous Theme Group: • Ensure that the business community is represented on the Theme groups • Work with employers to create employment opportunities for the diverse community in Luton • Collaborate with partners to ensure equal access to public sector agencies • Creating more jobs for Luton residents and other government floor targets • Assist in getting Luton residents into jobs and stimulating busiest start ups and survival rate of firms • Reduce race inequalities in employment

xiii Key partners: Bedfordshire and Luton Learning and Skills Council, Luton Borough Council, Connexions, Luton Mentoring Project, PCT, BLEDP, Voluntary Action Luton, Barnfield College, Dunstable College, EEDA, Job Centre+, Luton and Dunstable Partnership, Dunstable Hospital NHS Trust, Holmes Peat Thorpe, Business in the Community.

A DYNAMIC AND CREATIVE LUTON

In 2012, Luton is to be a town, which has better recreational, and entertainment facilities accessible to all residents.

Priorities for Action:

Priority 1 – Improve the Image and Perception of Luton 1.1 Explore and develop strategies to work with the people of Luton to lift the image and self-confidence of the town 1.2 Develop strategies and partnerships to support the business community to enhance the towns image and promote opportunities for investment 1.3 Support the key agencies in Luton to utilise arts, sports and cultural strategies as a resource to develop core priorities and objectives 1.4 Celebrate and promote existing good practice, innovation and success in Luton

QoL 23 Percentage of adults surveyed who feel they can influence decisions affecting their local area. QoL 26 (a) Percentage of people surveyed who have carried out any of a specified list of actions, unpaid, for someone who is not a relative in the past 12 months. (b) Percentage of people surveyed who have received any of a specified list of actions, unpaid, by someone who is not a relative in the past 12 months.

Priority 2 – Enhancing the Cultural Life of Luton 2.1 Develop a strategic process to enhance and develop cultural facilities in Luton 2.2 Promote Cultural and Creative events in Luton 2.3 Facilitate wider access and participation in sports, arts and cultural activities in Luton 2.4 Use cultural activities to provide training opportunities and enhance employability

xiv QoL 24 Percentage of voluntary/community organisations functioning in a specified locality per 1000 residents that performed well in the past year. QoL 21 Facilities for young people indicator(s) – under development, Audit Commission will be added in the future. QoL 22 (a) Percentage of residents surveyed finding it easy to access key local services (b) Actual distance to key local services.

Priority 3 – Release Creative Thinking and Imaginative Processes into the Strategic Leadership and Communities of Luton 3.1 To explore and promote new methods of participation and decision making in strategic bodies in Luton 3.2 To support confidence and capacity to work imaginatively and to raise the profile of creative solutions as a hallmark of Luton 3.3 To support key agencies to develop creative and lateral solutions to strategic issues 3.4 To explore and promote new, participatory methods of engaging communities in cultural activities, general community initiatives and in strategic issues.

QoL 25 Percentage of people surveyed who feel that their local area is a place where people from different backgrounds and communities can live together harmoniously.

QoL 20 Number of childcare places per 1,000 population aged 0-5 not in early education.

BV Number of households with access to the Internet.

Key partners: Luton Borough Council, Luton Carnival Arts Trust, tPCT, Barnfield College, Connexions, Luton Arts Council, Luton and Dunstable Partnership, Learning and Skills Council, Drug Action Team, Disability Resource Centre, Luton Law Centre, University of Luton.