New health statistics have shown the wealth divide between Nottingham and a neighbouring borough, according to residents in its bordering communities. Newly released data by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that Rushcliffe is the third most healthy of 307 local authority areas in England, whereas the city is 301st.
The 'Health Index' score is based on data collected in 2019 and was calculated using 14 indicators contributing to health. Rushcliffe was ranked number one in the country for the children and young people indicator and second for physiological risk factors. It was also highly rated for pupil attainment and teenage pregnancy. Nottingham, meanwhile, was let down by areas such as personal well-being, mortality and received its lowest score for crime.
Speaking by a sun-soaked River Trent, which divides the two areas, residents from both sides pointed out that the statistics were the result of a difference in affluence. "The city is more of a working class area," said Joe Frost, of the Meadows. "As soon as you go over the bridge, it's where more affluent people live. They have a better lifestyle, have more money and have better food. People here on the other side to some extent are struggling more and very often can only afford food from Iceland. Living an active lifestyle is not cheap.
