Indices of multiple deprivation (IMD)
IMD is part of a suite of outputs that form the indices of deprivation (IoD). It follows an established methodological framework in broadly defining deprivation to encompass a wide range of an individual’s living conditions. The IMD are published by the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and rank relative deprivation amongst areas in England.
Executive summary
- Luton is currently ranked the 45th (15 percentile) most deprived area out of 296 local authorities. In 2019 Luton was ranked the 70th (22 percentile) most deprived area from 317 local authorities. Therefore, Luton is more relatively deprived than in 2019. This is the highest ranking since comparable data began in 2004.
- The proportion of neighbourhoods in Luton considered highly deprived has risen from 3.3 to 13.6 per cent, with the town having 17 neighbourhoods in the top 10 per cent most deprived. Previously Luton had four areas in the top 10 per cent (2019 IMD).
- Total number of residents who live in these highly deprived areas is 32,057 people in Luton, or 14 per cent of the population based on the latest 2022 small area estimates by the ONS.
- The previous four most deprived areas from 2019 are still in the top 10 per cent most deprived. The 17 highly deprived neighbourhoods located as:
- five in Central ward
- four in Beech Hill
- two in Biscot and Farley
- one each in Dallow, Northwell, Round Green and South
- This increase in deprivation has been driven by income and income affecting children. These account for 22.5 per cent of the IMD score. This sharp increase shows that residents have become relatively poorer compared to other national averages.
- Luton’s highest deprivation rankings are (out of 296 authorities, 1= most deprived area):
- 9th in income affecting children (IDACI)
- 14th in income
- 24th in barriers to housing and services
- 37th in education