Sandwell, a borough in the West Midlands made up of towns including West Bromwich, Tipton and Smethwick, has been ranked among the most deprived areas in England, according to new research.
The borough is now the fifth worst nationally for fuel poverty, meaning a significant number of families struggle to pay bills, put food on the table, and keep their homes warm during winter. The study highlights how residents in Sandwell face some of the toughest challenges in their daily lives compared to most parts of the country.
Fuel poverty and its impact on households
Fuel poverty describes households that must spend a high proportion of their household income to keep their home at a reasonable temperature. This leaves them more at risk of living in cold homes during winter or not having enough money left to afford food and other essentials.
These households often have very little if any disposable income or savings, leaving them exposed to the risk of financial crisis. In a further blow, poorest families are likely to live in lower-quality housing which needs to be kept warmer for longer, costing more as a result.
Income deprivation figures for Sandwell
A separate Government study placed Sandwell 9th on the list in terms of the proportion of the population living in income deprived households. Over a third of households (37.4%) in the Black Country borough are on low or very low incomes.
Experts behind the fuel poverty study said: "These figures show how sharply household budgets can diverge by postcode. In the worst-hit area, the rate is almost 75% above the England average, so households already struggling should check council support, energy grants and supplier hardship schemes before colder weather pushes arrears higher."
Latest evidence of local struggles
Sandwell is considered one of the most deprived parts of the country, with this study just the latest evidence of how more locals find life tougher than most. The findings underscore the financial strain experienced by many residents in the borough, which includes the towns of West Bromwich, Tipton and Smethwick.
