St James, in Caerphilly – identified as St James 3 in the Welsh Government’s new Index of Multiple Deprivation – had already been ranked as one of the 10 most deprived places in Wales in 2005, 2008 and 2011.
The area, which includes Lansbury Park, was ranked the second most deprived place in the Welsh Government’s 2011 Index, behind part of Rhyl West.
Rhyl West 2 is now deemed the second most deprived part of Wales.
The new data shows seven of the 10 most deprived areas in 2011 remained in the most deprived 10 in 2014.
1. Caerphilly, St James 3 (2)
2. Denbighshire, Rhyl West 2 (1)
3. Wrexham, Queensway 1 (9)
4. Rhondda Cynon Taf Tylorstown 1 (10)
5. Bridgend, Caerau 1 (8)
6. Caerphilly, Twyn Carno 1 (3)
7. Rhondda Cynon Taf, Pen-y-waun 2 (15)
8. Merthyr Tydfil, Merthyr Vale 2 (17)
9. Cardiff, Splott 6 (36)
10. Denbighshire, Rhyl West 1 (7)
As Welshnotbritish points out these areas are areas where Labour's hegemony runs large and he has provided a useful proof
I remember when Plaid were running RCT one of their councillors remarked that Plaid were diverting resources to the most deprived areas which were usually represented by Labour and that the wards which had a Plaid representative were not seeing any benefits;
Its to his credit he believed it was the right policy but it shows the problem enhanced by our electoral system.
Labour can take deprived areas for granted and see no reason to change things
Opposition Parties. however enlightened have no reason to court these areas as they continue to vote Labour
The deprived however areas are open to the far right BNP or Ukip who can blame immigration even if the number of Immigrants in these areas are minimal
Under First Past the Post (FPTP) these areas are doomed to have Labour representation for most of the time.
Could the Single Transferable Vote make a difference. If the Council Wards , Assembly and Westminster constituencies consisted of 4 seats then it will mean that these areas have more than one party member representing them. Who will be seeking their support in forthcoming elections. and would have to deliver. Or at least seem to.
Labour have taken these votes for granted or rather they have taken those who do not vote for granted /
It makes no difference to Labour if people in these areas vote or not they still win. and they can concentrate on marginal wards .
Indeed our current electoral system encourages this .
What kind of democracy relies on the apathy or historical support for a party that abandoned deprived areas for over a generation.
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