U.K.: Facing up to hardship in the UK's tower blocks

LONDON, England (Precision Marketing Magazine), April 7, 2008: High rise hardship communities have very high numbers of older residents, especially over 65 years old. There are very few traditional families and middle-aged people and although there are also fewer children in this group overall, some areas contain a high number of single parents with children under five. Over 60 per cent of households contain only one adult. Over 75 per cent of households live in purpose built flats, mostly rented from the local authority or housing associations. Flats are small and often in high-rise blocks. There are low levels of owner occupation. These are relatively deprived neighbourhoods, containing some of the UK's highest levels of unemployment and long-term illness. Those in work are likely to be employed in factory jobs or work in shops. Educational qualifications, incomes and car ownership are all low. These people are enduring hardship and for them, life is a struggle. Within this group there are two distinct sets of people - Old People, Many High-Rise Flats and Singles and Single Parents, High-Rise Estates. Old People, Many High-Rise Flats This type contains large numbers of elderly people living in blocks of flats. There are few children and young people. Almost 50 per cent of residents are over 60, with a high proportion over 75. Most households are single people, particularly single pensioners. These neighbourhoods have a very high population density because of the type of housing they contain. Some 75 per cent of residents live in rented purpose built flats and many flats are in high-rise blocks. There are very low levels of owner occupation. Flats are small, mostly one or sometimes two bedrooms. These are relatively deprived neighbourhoods, with unemployment at twice the national average and long term illness levels three times the national average. Incomes are low, most under £10,000 a year, and few have savings. Car ownership is low. Most residents are dependent on public transport and walking to get around. People enjoy bingo, racing and going to the pub. They tend to read newspapers such as the Daily Mirror, The Sun and the Daily Record. These types are found in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverclyde and Dundee in Scotland, and in Newcastle upon Tyne, Liverpool, Nottingham, Manchester, Sheffield and Wolverhampton in England. Singles and Single Parents, High-Rise Estates This type comprises mostly single people of different age groups, living in blocks of flats, especially in Scotland. Single person households predominate. They are a mixture of young adults, single parents with children under five and retired people. There are relatively few traditional families and middle-aged people. Some 75 per cent of residents live in rented purpose built flats. Flats are small, usually one or two bedrooms, and many are in tower blocks. Unemployment is the highest of any Acorn type at two and a half times the national rate. Long-term illness is also very high. Those in work are likely to be employed in shops and in factory jobs. This reflects the low levels of qualifications. Incomes are low and people have very low levels of savings. Car ownership is low as well, with most people dependent on public transport and walking. Horse racing, football and bingo are popular interests. The Daily Record, The Sun and News of the World are popular newspapers. This type is most heavily concentrated in Scotland, in Glasgow and Dundee in particular. In England it can be found in Plymouth, Bristol and Sheffield. What the future holds Life is not easy for these communities. It will become harder if the downturn in the economy continues. They will experience the most difficult social economic conditions in the country and will become more of a drain on state resources. By Jonathan Burston, sales director, CACI Source: PrecisionMarketing.co.uk © Copyright Centaur Media Plc.