Poverty and wealth in the Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch area 1980 to 2000

Introduction

This is a brief report examining the changing pattern of poverty and wealth in the Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch Conurbation, over several decades.

It presents a snapshot of the situation between 1980 to 2000, and makes comparisons with the national picture.

Key facts

The increase in the numbers living in (breadline) poverty reported is perhaps of concern not only because of the obvious immediate effects of living in poverty but also because being poor is a very strong statistical predictor of other negative outcomes.

There is evidence of increasing and continuing economic polarisation within the Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch conurbation, particularly within Poole.