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This category contains the poorest areas of the UK. Unemployment is well above the national average. Levels of qualifications are low and those in work are likely to be employed in unskilled occupations. Household incomes are low and there are high levels of long-term illness in some areas.

Housing is a mix of low-rise estates, with terraced or semi-detached houses, and purpose built flats, including high-rise blocks. Properties tend to be small and there is much overcrowding. Over 50% of the housing is rented from the local council or a housing association.

There are a large number of single adult households, including many single pensioners and lone parents. In some neighbourhoods, there are high numbers of black and Asian residents.

These people are experiencing the most difficult social and economic conditions in the whole country, and appear to have limited opportunity to improve their circumstances.