Challenging deprivation cliches

The Bevan Foundation has contributed to BBC Wales’ revelations that the most deprived areas in Wales are in Cardiff.

The Bevan Foundation Team has been in action again, this time commenting on BBC Wales’ story on 1st December 2022 that 6 of the ten areas in Wales with the highest number of most deprived households are in Cardiff and just one is in the South Wales valleys.

Speaking on BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, Victoria Winckler said that the findings challenged the story that Cardiff was booming, and highlighted the deep inequalities in the city. She said that although action on the cost of living was welcome, public bodies needed to tackle the root causes of deprivation. Improving housing, educational attainment and helping people into work were all in Welsh Government and local authorities’ gift.

Speaking later on that day, Victoria Winckler said on BBC Wales Today that it was time to challenge the tired stereotypes that everywhere in the valleys is deprived and all of Cardiff is prosperous. Speaking to S4C’s Newyddion, Steffan Evans emphasised that there is poverty and deprivation in all parts of Wales – it is just too often hidden by the way that statistics are collected.

Our comments were also covered in a BBC Wales online article.