Welcome to the latest edition of Public Data Insights, our monthly summary of the latest data and statistical releases from various government departments and public bodies, all with a focus on sub-national insights.
With a wealth of statistics available from government sources, there are many opportunities to leverage this data to communicate key issues to stakeholders at a local level.
Whether you’re tracking unemployment rates, inflation, or more specialised data releases, this round-up is designed to spotlight some of the most intriguing regional and local-level statistics
Asylum Seekers Statistics
In 2023, 67,337 applications for asylum were made in the United Kingdom, covering a total of 84,425 individuals. This number falls short in comparison to that registered just one year prior, in 2022, which surpassed the 81,000 mark, representing the year with the highest number of applications since 2002. On a larger scale the data reveals a record slope of 17,916 in 2010, followed by a rapid to steady increase in the years thereafter.
The data on asylum statistics in the UK draws further insights on an international scale, as the UK is well below the EU average for asylum applications. Furthermore, it also reveals national divides on the topic. For instance, Local Authorities such as Liverpool, Hounslow, Coventry, and Hillingdon register higher numbers of Asylum Seekers, with 67 per 10,000 people, while more than 50 Local Authorities have a population of no Asylum Seekers.
Next update: TBC
Source: House of Commons Library
Tuberculosis Statistics
The UK Health Security Agency has reported that tuberculosis notification rates in England increased by 11.0% in 2023, marking the largest year-on-year increase in the current reporting period of 2000 to 2023. Nonetheless, England does remain below the World Health Organisation (WHO) threshold of 10 per 100,000 people for a low incidence country.
On a local level, Newham and Leicester are considerably above the WHO standards, registering 40.6 and 40.7 rate per 100,000 people, respectively, in the amount of reports. Conversely, Devon and Isle of Wight register a low rate of 0.0 and 0.2 respectively. The data available highlights a clear divide between London located Local Authorities and the remainder of the country.
Next update: TBC
Source: UK Health Security Agency
Social Housing Lettings in England
In England, for the financial year of 2023/24, there was an increase of 4% in new social housing lettings from the previous year. The number of lettings has remained relatively stable from 2021/22, following a period of steady decline from 2013/14 onwards. This way the previous financial year has marked a reversal of trends.
On a regional level, the West Midlands alongside the Yorkshire and Humber region lead the tables. Birmingham has been on top of new social housing statistics for most years, registering an average of 9,837 new dwellings for the financial years of 2012/14 to 2019/20. More recently, in 2023/24 Leeds led the rankings with 4,891 new houses, closely followed by Birmingham.
Next update: TBC
Source: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Inequalities in Health Outcomes
The inequalities in health outcomes within English cities and other built-up areas statistics report, published in December, provides relevant insights into a wide array of health inequality frameworks. The research covers data on relevant topics within healthcare, including mortality rates and GP satisfaction, and studies different ethnic groups and deprivation quintiles.
Relevant insights from the dataset include: the 1st deprivation quintile registers greater counts of mortality when compared to those in higher quintiles; White Gypsy or Irish traveller, White Roma and Mixed ethnic groups are amongst those with the least of positive responses to GP experiences; and Birmingham and London represent the cities with higher counts of mortality within the 1st Deprivation Quintile. Nonetheless, it is relevant to note that, in terms of percentual levels, cities such as Nottingham do rank higher in mortality rates.
Next update: TBC
Source: Office for Health Improvement and Disparities
Private Rent Statistics
The Price Index of Private Rents produces rent price and inflation statistics for the UK on a monthly basis. The index tracks prices paid for new and existing tenancies in the private rental sector and provides relevant data for visualisation of rent prices on a geographical and chronological level. When visualising the data from the month of December, the South East and London regions highlight high private house prices whereas the North East registers lower dwelling prices. Throughout the 2020s house prices have gone up as a whole, with regions such as the South East and East Anglia gradually aligning with London rates.
On a local level, the local authorities of Kensington and Chelsea and City of Westminster lead the tables, with average house prices which reach over £1,500,000. These local areas are followed by other London locations, such as Camden and Fulham.
Next update: January 2025
Source: Office for National Statistics