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South Somerset Profile

December 2016

South Somerset Profile 2016 V5

SUMMARY OF KEY ISSUES:

Population & Demographics:

South Somerset’s population of 164,982 (2015) is the largest of the five local

authorities in Somerset. Population growth has been consistent, with South

Somerset showing the largest overall increase in population across the

County since 2001. The main cause of population growth in South Somerset

is internal migration from elsewhere in the UK.

South Somerset is an ageing district, with sharp growth in those aged over 60.

This is twinned with recent data showing significant losses in those aged 15 to

29. If this trend is to continue over the long term, the district may face major

challenges in providing a sufficiently large and competitive labour force.

South Somerset has a number of settlements of similar size - reflecting their

historic market town status. This dispersed pattern of people and

development has strengths and weaknesses. Yeovil continues to be the

largest town in South Somerset. However, the largest population growth

between 2001 and 2011 took place in Ilminster.

Housing & Households:

Between 2001 and 2011 South Somerset has delivered more dwellings than

any other local authority in the county (7,263 dwellings). Most of the main

settlements saw an approximate 10% increase in the number of dwellings

over the period 2001 to 2011.

Latest projections for future household numbers show that South Somerset

will need to provide for the second highest amount in Somerset, after

Sedgemoor.

The affordability of an average house in South Somerset is around 7.5 times

the average income. Affordable housing need in South Somerset remains

high. With approximately 25% of all need in the county arising from the

district.

Economy:

South Somerset’s Functional Economic Area extends along the A303 corridor.


Total number of jobs in South Somerset (which includes self-employed,

government-supported trainees and HM Forces) was 82,000 in 2015. The

‘Public administration, education and health sector’ is the largest employer in

South Somerset. Although the ‘manufacturing’ sector is a significant

employer. In 2015, Manufacturing generated £785 million to the South

Somerset economy. This sector’s economic value has grown by over 25%

since 2001.

The number of enterprises in South Somerset has grown since 2010, but only

steadily. The agricultural sector has the largest number of enterprises.

Manufacturing, whilst the most valuable sector to the economy only has the

third highest number of enterprises. In 2015, 98% of all businesses employed

fewer than 50 employees. This Shows South Somerset’s reliance on Small &

Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Economic activity rates are at their highest recorded levels. In 2015, 85,600

people were economically active, which represents 84% of the population.

Gross weekly wages for both males and females are lower than the national

and regional average. The number of claimants in South Somerset is at the

lowest level since 2001.

Retail:

The future of the high street remains uncertain. With challenging conditions

for both local and national retailers.

Yeovil remains most important retail centre within the district. But the town

centre faces competition from out-of-town retail estates and adjacent retail

estates including in West Dorset.

Vacancy rates in Yeovil town centre have increased since 2006 and

recessionary impacts have been felt within the town centre and Primary

Shopping Area.

Future plans for the regeneration of Yeovil Town Centre are integral to the

Council’s “Investing in Infrastructure” programme. Further investment in the

town centre needs to be co-ordinated to ensure the town remains its vitality.


For more information please also see the source of the above: South Somerset

Authority Monitoring Report September 2016 available here:

https://www.southsomerset.gov.uk/authority_monitoring_report

https://www.southsomerset.gov.uk/authority_monitoring_report


Contents 1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 7

2. Place ................................................................................................................................ 8

2.1 Location and Geography ............................................................................................................... 8

2.2 Transport ....................................................................................................................................... 8

Table 1: Licensed vehicles by body type 2015¹ ............................................................................... 9

2.3 Housing ......................................................................................................................................... 9

Table 2: Proportion (%) of dwellings in each council tax band by area (June 2016)³ ..................... 9

Table 3: SSDC Number of dwellings by type (June 2016)³ ............................................................ 10

Table 4: Average residential property prices (quarterly rolling year Q1 2016)⁴ ........................... 10

Chart 1: Number of residential property sales by District (2015/16)⁴ .......................................... 11

2.4 Households.................................................................................................................................. 11

2.5 Environment ................................................................................................................................ 12

Table 5: Average Domestic Electricity Consumption per household (2014)⁶ ............................... 12

Map 1: Estimated proportion of households in fuel poverty (based on Low income high costs

indicator)⁷ ...................................................................................................................................... 13

Table 6: Fuel Poverty Levels 2014 as published in June 20166 ..................................................... 14

3. People ............................................................................................................................ 15

3.1 Population ................................................................................................................................... 15

Table 7: Total Resident Population (2015)⁸ .................................................................................. 15

Table 8: Proportion (%) of the population by age range⁸ ............................................................. 15

Chart 2: Proportion (%) of the population by age range8 ............................................................. 16

3.2 Population Projections ................................................................................................................ 17

Chart 3: 2015-2039 South Somerset Population Projections (based on 2014 predictions)⁸ ........ 17

3.3 Migration ..................................................................................................................................... 18

Chart 4: Trends in Net Flow of migrants into and out of Somerset9 ............................................ 18

Table 9: Internal migration flows for each District within Somerset year ending June 2015

(released June 2016)¹⁰ .................................................................................................................. 19

Chart 5: Migration inflow and outflow for South Somerset by age range from UK areas year

ending June 2015¹⁰ ........................................................................................................................ 19

Table 10: Internal migration flows for each District within Somerset June 2015¹⁰ ...................... 20

3.4 Ethnicity ...................................................................................................................................... 21

3.5 Deprivation ................................................................................................................................. 21

Map 2: Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) 2015 in Yeovil¹² ....................................................... 22

Table 11: Somerset District IMD 2015 rankings¹² ......................................................................... 22


Table 12.1 South Somerset LSOAs within the most deprived 20% in England¹²........................... 23

Table 12.2 South Somerset LSOAs within the least deprived 20% in England¹² ........................... 23

3.7 Crime ........................................................................................................................................... 25

Table 13: Trends in Crime for England and Wales¹³ ...................................................................... 25

Chart 6: Rolling year crime statistics¹³ .......................................................................................... 25

Chart 7: Crime & ASB Breakdown for South Somerset District Council Nov 2015 – Oct 2016¹⁴ .. 26

Table 14: Breakdown of crime & ASB by type in 2015/16¹⁴ ......................................................... 26

3.8 Health Overview.......................................................................................................................... 27

Chart 8: Personal Well-being by Somerset District, 2015/16¹⁶ ..................................................... 28

4. Economy ........................................................................................................................ 29

4.1 People in Employment¹⁷ .............................................................................................................. 29

Table 13: Gross Weekly Income (2016)¹⁸ ...................................................................................... 29

Table 14: Businesses by industry 2015 (released October 2016)¹⁸ ............................................... 30

4.2 Unemployment ........................................................................................................................... 31

4.3 Skills and Qualifications .............................................................................................................. 31

Chart 9: Qualifications of people aged 16 to 64 (Jan 2015-Dec 2015)¹⁸ ....................................... 31

4.4 Business and Enterprise .............................................................................................................. 32

Table 15: Business by size of employment 2015 (released October 2016)¹⁹ ................................ 32

Table 16: Total Businesses 2014²⁰ ................................................................................................ 33

4.5 Tourism ....................................................................................................................................... 34

Chart 10: Breakdown of tourism expenditure21 ........................................................................... 34

5. South Somerset Parish and Ward Profiles. ................................................................. 35

Sources of evidence ......................................................................................................... 36


1. Introduction

The South Somerset Community Profile has been collated to provide an overview of

the communities that live here. The purpose of the profile is to provide a

comprehensive and up to date picture of the district that will support strategic

thinking and decision making.

The South Somerset profile will be reviewed on an annual basis and is due to be

reviewed in December 2017. This profile has been produced by the Performance

Service, if you have any queries or suggestions for this profile please contact the

Performance Officer Anna-Maria Lenz [email protected].

mailto:[email protected]


2. Place

2.1 Location and Geography

South Somerset is situated on the eastern side of the County of Somerset. It covers

an area of 370 (958 km2) square miles and has an estimated population of 165,000.

South Somerset has both rural areas and a network of market towns. The rural

nature of the area is emphasised by the low population density of 1.7 persons per

hectare (the England average is 4.1).

2.2 Transport The main roads in South Somerset are the A30, A37 and the A303. London is

accessible via the A303 and can be reached in about 3 hours by car.

The county of Somerset is strategically well positioned between Bristol and the

South West peninsula. The M5 and A303 trunk routes pass through the county, as

do the main railways linking the peninsula to London and to Wales, the Midlands and

the rest of England. Compared with the South West and England generally,

Somerset also has a relatively high proportion of its roads in rural areas (88%).

The 2011 Census highlights that the levels of car ownership reflect the rural nature

of the district. In 2011 85.4% of households owned at least one vehicle, nationally

the figure was 74.3%, The average number of cars per household was 1.43 which

compared against the England and Wales average of 1.17 and 43.4% of households

have more than one vehicle again above the national average of 32%1.

In 2015 there have been 120,500 Licensed vehicles in South Somerset, the average

number per cars per household was 1.67 which is an increase compared to the 2011

average of 1.43.


Table 1: Licensed vehicles by body type 2015¹

Figures in thousands

Region/Local Authority

Cars Motor cycles

Light goods

Heavy goods

Buses and

coaches

Other vehicles

Total

United Kingdom 31,170.7 1,253.1 3,736.0 506.2 168.2 736.3 37,570.6

Great Britain 30,250.3 1,230.8 3,633.6 483.4 162.7 706.8 36,467.5

England 25,732.6 1,093.1 3,107.4 418.3 136.4 564.2 31,052.0

South West 3,025.10 150 441.1 46.3 18.9 95 3,776.40

Somerset 303.4 16.1 43.2 6.0 1.5 15.0 385.2

Mendip 62.6 3.0 9.6 1.5 0.3 3.0 80.1

Sedgemoor 65.7 3.7 9.5 1.6 0.2 2.8 83.6

South Somerset 95.2 5.1 13.0 1.7 0.4 5.1 120.5

Taunton Deane 60.5 3.2 7.9 1.0 0.4 2.4 75.5

West Somerset 19.3 0.9 3.1 0.2 0.1 1.6 25.3

2.3 Housing

There are estimated to be 72,100 households² in South Somerset (75,260

dwellings).

South Somerset has the lowest proportion of houses in the cheapest tax band (Band

A); 13.54% of the dwellings in South Somerset are in band A, which is below the

Somerset average of 16.15%. South Somerset has the highest proportion in

Somerset of band E properties at 12.10% see table 2 on the following page for more

details.

Table 2: Proportion (%) of dwellings in each council tax band by area (June 2016)³

A B C D E F G H Total

Somerset 16.15 27.23 21.56 14.84 11.01 6.08 2.93 0.20 247,970

South Somerset

13.54 29.72 21.30 14.48 12.10 6.19 2.44 0.23 75,260

Mendip 13.76 26.16 24.25 14.73 11.09 6.17 3.60 0.26 50,230

Sedgemoor 23.99 22.97 21.34 14.69 9.41 4.90 2.59 0.11 53,240

Taunton Deane 14.34 30.77 19.61 14.16 11.26 6.67 3.01 0.19 51,410

West Somerset 15.76 22.21 21.42 19.01 10.26 7.23 3.81 0.28 17,830

The majority of houses or bungalows in South Somerset (27,750) are detached and

account for 36.58% of the properties in South Somerset.


Table 3: SSDC Number of dwellings by type (June 2016)³

South Somerset Property type B

un

galo

w

Fla

t/

Ma

iso

nett

e

Ho

us

e :

Terr

ace

d

Ho

us

e :

Se

mi-

deta

ch

ed

Ho

us

e :

De

tac

he

d

An

ne

xe

Oth

er7

Un

kn

ow

n8

All

pro

pe

rtie

s

10,850 8,260 19,470 17,120 16,900 280 630 2,350 75,860

14.30% 10.89% 25.67% 22.57% 22.28% 0.37% 0.83% 3.10% 100.00% *7Property type "Other" includes mobile homes and caravans.

*8Property type "Unknown" includes properties whose details are not recorded/not known.

House prices in South Somerset are ranging from average flat prices of £97,205 to

detached properties averaging at £292,125. If compared to the average property

prices in 2011, the price of Terraced properties, Semi-detached properties and the

overall average property price have increased in all of the Somerset Districts.

Table 4: Average residential property prices (quarterly rolling year Q1 2016)⁴

Flat Terraced Semi-

detached

Detached Overall

Average

South Somerset £97,205 £163,396 £184,720 £292,125 £201,995

Mendip £132,198 £194,460 £220,080 £326,532 £232,035

Sedgemoor £101,025 £158,202 £187,341 £250,746 £196,816

Taunton Deane £117,478 £168,845 £196,875 £273,370 £211,436

West Somerset £106,167 £169,795 £209,900 £286,700 £213,900

South Somerset had the highest number of existing properties sold within the

County, a total of 1862 existing properties and 289 new properties have been sold in

2015/16. West Somerset had the lowest number of properties sold with 632 existing

and 31 new properties sold in 2015/16.


Chart 1: Number of residential property sales by District (2015/16)⁴

2.4 Households

The size and structure of households within South Somerset will have implications

for planning, housing demand, facilities and entitlement to benefits. The 2011 census

described the average household size in the district as follows:

- Average household size of 2.3 residents, the same as the Somerset average.

- Main composition for South Somerset is a one person household accounting

for 29.5%.

- The percentage of households with residents aged 65 and over accounts for

26.8% of all households.

- Only 24.2% of households in South Somerset have dependent children living

in them, this is very close to the Somerset figure of 24.6% but below the

England figure of 29% of households.

- The proportion of lone parent households in South Somerset is 7.8%, lower

than both the Somerset figure of 8.4% and the national figure of 10.65%.

31

536

284

227

289

632

1784

1874

1823

2862

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500

West Somerset

Taunton Deane

Sedgemoor

Mendip

South Somerset

Number of property sales

Dis

tric

t

Property Sales 2015/16

Existing Properties New Properties


2.5 Environment

In 2015 the Somerset Rivers Authority was established to ensure issues associated

with flooding are addressed. This has partially been driven due to the severe flooding

of areas which are on or just above sea-level, as a result of extreme weather in

2014. As part of a twenty year plan the Somerset Levels and Moors Flood Action

Plan was produced by a partnership of organisations⁵.

South Somerset has over 1,000 miles of paths and tracks that help attract tourism,

particularly people who love rambling and walking. The diverse landscape includes

wooded hills and valleys and the Somerset Levels and Moors - one of the lowest and

flattest places in the UK and an important habitat.

The average domestic electricity consumption per household is the second highest

in South Somerset at 4,568kWh however has decreased compared to the 2011

consumption of 4,901 kWh, higher than the South West average of 4,524 and the

national average of 4,2666.

Table 5: Average Domestic Electricity Consumption per household (2014)⁶

Average domestic consumption

(kWh per meter)

South Somerset 4,568

Mendip 4,365

Sedgemoor 4,424

Taunton Deane 4,132

West Somerset 4,667

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) publishes annual fuel

poverty statistics at local authority and LSOA level. The latest 2014 dataset was

published in June 2016.


A household is said to be in fuel poverty if it needs to spend more than 10% of its

income on fuel to maintain an adequate level of warmth (usually defined as 21

degrees for the main living area, and 18 degrees for other occupied rooms). The

above formula means that the key elements in determining whether a household is

‘fuel poor’ are:

- Income

- Fuel prices

- Consumption (dependent on the lifestyle of the household and the energy efficiency

of the dwelling)

- Poor energy efficiency of a home, e.g. through low levels of insulation and old or

inefficient heating systems

- Under-occupancy: according to UK government statistics, on average those in the

most extreme fuel poverty live in larger than average homes

Levels of fuel poverty in South Somerset are the second highest in Somerset at

13%3. This is above the Somerset average of 12.4%. To tackle fuel poverty is one of

the Councils ambitions outlined in the Council Plan 2016-21 and is highlighted as an

action point within the Annual Action Plan. South Somerset is working with the

Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) on the delivery of fuel poverty schemes in the

district. Currently the District and CSE are working together in the delivery of the

“Warmer Chard & surrounding Villages” project and the Our Neighbourhood”

regeneration programme.

Map 1: Estimated proportion of households in fuel poverty (based on Low income

high costs indicator)⁷

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Efficient_energy_use


Four of the top ten ‘fuel poor’ LSOAs in Somerset, in 2014 were in South Somerset.

This includes Hardington Mandeville, Barrington and Kingsbury Episcopi, Cricket St

Thomas and East Chinnock and Chiselborough. These LSOAs had ratings between

23.7% and 24.8% fuel poor households.

For the second consecutive year the proportion of fuel poor households has

increased in Somerset; from 9.2% in 2012 to 11.2% in 2013 and 12.4% in 2014. At

District level, West Somerset (14.5%) has the highest proportion of households living

in fuel poverty whilst Taunton Deane has the lowest proportion with only 11.3%

much closer to the national proportion of 10.6%.

Fuel poverty in rural areas is often higher than in urban areas as this relates to the

make-up of the rural population which tends to live in larger, older and less energy

efficient properties. This is paired with issues in relation to income and lifestyle as for

example, lower income levels in South Somerset then the national average. The

district also has a high proportion of older residents who are likely to spend more of

their time in their homes.

Table 6: Fuel Poverty Levels 2014 as published in June 20166

Fuel poor number

of households

Fuel poor % of

households

Somerset 29,663 12.4%

South Somerset 9,487 13%

Mendip 6,034 12.4%

Sedgemoor 6,174 12%

Taunton Deane 5580 11.3%

West Somerset 2388 14.5%


3. People

3.1 Population

The 2015 mid-year estimates published in June 2016 estimated the population of

South Somerset to be 165,000. The 45-74s account for 40.7% of the South

Somerset population this compares against 41.54% across Somerset.

Table 7: Total Resident Population (2015)⁸

South

Somerset

South

West

Great Britain

All People 165,000 5,471,200 63,258,400

Males 81,000 2,688,100 31,165,300

Females 84,000 2,783,100 32,093,100

Table 8: Proportion (%) of the population by age range⁸ (Mid-2015 Middle Layer Super Output Area population estimates) as at 26 October 2016

Age

0-4

Age

5-9

Age

10-15

Age

16-24

Age

25-44

Age

45-64

Age

65-74

Age

75 &

over

SOMERSET % 5.27 5.44 6.30 9.38 20.75 28.19 13.35 11.31

South Somerset % 5.40 5.66 6.48 9.17 21.56 27.57 13.13 11.03

Mendip % 5.32 5.68 7.00 9.83 21.16 28.97 12.13 9.91

Sedgemoor % 5.69 5.74 6.55 9.87 21.70 28.12 12.37 9.96

Taunton Deane % 5.75 5.73 6.50 9.60 23.23 27.08 11.54 10.57

West Somerset % 4.19 4.41 4.98 8.41 16.12 29.21 17.61 15.07

Notes: % is a proportion of total population)


Without a university, limited employment prospects and high house prices relative to

income a large proportion of the younger adults are choosing to relocate outside of

the county.

Chart 2: Proportion (%) of the population by age range8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Somerset Mendip Sedgemoor SouthSomerset

TauntonDeane

WestSomerset

Age 75 &overAge 65-74

Age 45-64

Age 25-44

Age 16-24

Age 10-15

Age5-9


3.2 Population Projections

The ONS released updated population estimates in May 2016. The Somerset

Population is estimated to rise by 82,000 (15%) over a twenty-five year period, to

623,600 in 2039.

The age profile is predicted to continue to rise County wide, growth of the 65+ age is

projected to double between 2014 and 2039 to 116,000. Chart 2 also indicates a

predicted rise in the 65+ population of South Somerset to (61,400 in 2039). The

population of South Somerset is predicted to increase from 165,400 in 2015 to

184,600 in 2039, which would be a rise of 11.6%.

Chart 3: 2015-2039 South Somerset Population Projections (based on 2014

predictions)⁸

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

200

20

15

20

16

20

17

20

18

20

19

20

20

20

21

20

22

20

23

20

24

20

25

20

26

20

27

20

28

20

29

20

30

20

31

20

32

20

33

20

34

20

35

20

36

20

37

20

38

20

39

Po

pu

lati

on

Th

ou

san

ds

Year

65+

15 - 64

0 -14


3.3 Migration

In the year ending June 2015, there were an estimated 40,000 people moving within

the UK into or out of Somerset, Chart 6 outlines the net flow of migrant into Somerset

from other parts of the UK.

The net flow into Somerset (the number coming in, less the number going out) from

other parts of England and Wales increased from 1,630 in 2008-09 and 2009-10 to

3305 in 2014-15. In this period, each of the five Somerset districts experienced a net

flow into their borders with Taunton Deane having the highest net flow at just over

1,100. This accounts for 33% of the inflow in Somerset.

Chart 4: Trends in Net Flow of migrants into and out of Somerset9


Table 9: Internal migration flows for each District within Somerset year ending June

2015 (released June 2016)¹⁰

So

uth

So

me

rse

t

Me

nd

ip

Se

dge

mo

or

Tau

nto

n

Dea

ne

We

st

So

me

rset

Flow IN 7570 6280 5660 6090 2120

Flow OUT 7190 5540 4900 4980 1810

Net flow IN 380 740 760 1110 310

The migration of population into South Somerset from other parts of the UK show

that in 2015, there were 380 more people moving into the area than out. However,

South Somerset and West Somerset have had a less consistent inflow of migrants

than the other Districts within the County.

Chart 5: Migration inflow and outflow for South Somerset by age range from UK areas

year ending June 2015¹⁰

In South Somerset, there is a consistent net flow out amongst 15-24 year-olds. This

has increased further from 2011/12 outturn of 400 to 510 in June 2015. The table

below highlights that the majority of the outflow is generated by 15-44 year old which

account for 54.25% of the total outflow.

1290 1270

2340

1680

990 1120

1780

2120

1240

930

180

-510

230 430

60

-550

-50

450

950

1450

1950

2450

2950

0-14 15-24 15-44 15-64 65+

Ind

ivid

ua

ls

Age Range

Inflow

Outflow

Net


Table 10: Internal migration flows for each District within Somerset June 2015¹⁰

0-14 15-24 25-44 45-64 65+ Total

South Somerset

Inflow 1,290 1,270 2,340 1,680 990 7570

% 17.04 16.78 30.91 22.19 13.08 100.00

Outflow 1,120 1,780 2,120 1,240 930 7,190

% 15.58 24.76 29.49 17.25 12.93 100.00

Mendip

Inflow 1,050 1,150 2,018 1,310 690 6,218

% 16.89 18.49 32.45 21.07 11.10 100.00

Outflow 640 1,640 1,640 1,060 560 5,540

% 11.55 29.60 29.60 19.13 10.11 100.00

Sedgemoor

Inflow 950 940 1,760 1,280 730 5,660

% 16.78 16.61 31.10 22.61 12.90 100.00

Outflow 700 1,220 1,460 970 550 4,900

% 14.29 24.90 29.80 19.80 11.22 100.00

Taunton Deane

Inflow 940 1,140 2,090 1,110 810 6,090

% 15.44 18.72 34.32 18.23 13.30 100.00

Outflow 660 1,450 1,700 790 380 4,980

% 13.25 29.12 34.14 15.86 7.63 100.00

West Somerset

Inflow 280 380 440 620 400 2,120

% 13 18 21 29 19 100

Outflow 250 430 540 330 260 1,810

% 14 24 30 18 14 100

The outflow of 15-24s is driven largely by the 18-20 age group in particular. This is

believed to be due to there being no university in the county. Areas in the South

West with universities - Bristol, Bournemouth, Plymouth and Bath & NE Somerset -

have a net inflow of young people.


3.4 Ethnicity

From the 2014 mid-year estimates South Somerset’s population is predominantly

from a white British background accounting for 94.96% of residents and 5.04% of the

district’s population is from an ethnic background, this is a small increase on the

2011 census figure of 1.9%. This figure is low compared to the national figure,

however, is in line with the rest of Somerset, where the average is 5.36%¹¹.

Of those not white British in South Somerset, 2.6% are white other, 1.89% are Black

and Minority Ethnic, 0.34% are white Irish and less than 1% are White Gypsy or Irish

Traveller.

94% of the population in South Somerset are born within the UK and 6% were born

outside the UK, this matches the Somerset Average.

Christianity is the largest religion practiced in South Somerset at 65.9%, 25.2% of

residents indicated that they followed no religion, 1.2& stated that they followed a

non-Christian religion and 7.7% chose not to state a religion¹¹.

3.5 Deprivation

The Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) is based upon 37 indicators across seven

domains of deprivation which include:

Income

Employment

Health and Disability

Education Skills and Training

Barriers to Housing and Services

Living Environment

Crime

The above are weighted and combined to create the overall IMD.

Somerset is better than the national average in regard to overall deprivation, there

has been a slight shift towards a greater level of deprivation in Somerset relative to

the rest of England. Overall, the health of people in South Somerset is mixed

compared with the England average.


Map 2: Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) 2015 in Yeovil¹²

Table 11: Somerset District IMD 2015 rankings¹²

Of the 326 Local authorities with 1, being the most deprived.

IMD Rank

of average

rank

IMD Rank

of average

score

IMD Rank of

proportion of

LSOAs in most

deprived 10%

nationally

IMD

Rank of

extent

IMD Rank of

local

concentration

South Somerset

180 186 175 186 180

Mendip 160 179 181 202 203

Sedgemoor 146 144 139 138 138

Taunton Deane 193 189 138 177 163

West Somerset 56 106 200 190 208

South Somerset is ranked 202nd out of 326 in terms of levels of deprivation in 2010 in

2015 the South Somerset ranked 180th out of 326 it is not possible to make direct

comparisons due changes in the way in which deprivation is captured. The IMD only


provides a relative picture of deprivation meaning that relative to the rest of England

South Somerset has become more deprived then it has been in 2010.

South Somerset has seven LSOAs in the top 20%. The most deprived LSOA in

South Somerset is Yeovil Westfield. At the opposite end of the scale, fourteen

LSOAs in South Somerset are within the least deprived 20% in England. The least

deprived LSOA in South Somerset also falls within the 1% least deprived in England.

Table 12.1 South Somerset LSOAs within the most

deprived 20% in England¹²

LSOA LSOA Overall Rank

Yeovil Westfield 2,659

Yeovil Town Centre 3,220

Yeovil Sherborne Road 3,326

Chard Jocelyn West 4,302

Yeovil Penn Mill North 4,515

Yeovil Birchfield 6,441

Yeovil Summerlands 6,485

Table 12.2 South Somerset LSOAs within the least

deprived 20% in England¹²

LSOA LSOA Overall Rank

Barton St David and Keinton Mandeville

26,301

Chard Jocelyn East 26,533

Milborne Wick 26,987

Misterton 27,017

Broadway 27,192

Crewkerne North 28,042

Curry Rivel South 28,382

Yeovil Fairmead Road 28,755

Chard Crimchard West 29,630

Yeovil Houndstone West 29,670

Yeovil Houndstone North 30,125

Ansford 30,342

Yeovil Buckler's Mead 31,384

Yeovil Sampson's Wood 32,539

3.6 Digital Inclusion

The government published a Digital inclusion strategy in 2014, which outlines the

benefits of access to and use of the internet as well as challenges the public is facing

in the day to day use and how the government will try to address this.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-digital-inclusion-strategy/government-digital-inclusion-strategy


It outlines that:

- 21% of Britain’s population lack the basic digital skills and capabilities

required to realise the benefits of the internet;

- Around a third of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) don’t have a website,

rising to 50% of voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs).

The Somerset Intelligence Partnership developed a ‘heat map’ to identify areas that

are at higher risk of being digitally excluded. Below is a map of the Somerset area

highlighting areas that are at higher risk of deprivation.

The above map highlights that there are communities located in South Somerset that

are at high risk of digital exclusion.

Additional information on digital inclusion is available via the following links:

- Connecting Devon and Somerset

- Digital Inclusion Group for Somerset (DIGS)

- Go ON UK digital skills charity

http://www.connectingdevonandsomerset.co.uk/about-us/

http://www.sedgemoor.gov.uk/9524

https://doteveryone.org.uk/


3.7 Crime

Crime in South Somerset has been steadily decreasing since March 2011, with

6,398 crimes being recorded in 2016 compared to 9,446 in 2011.

Table 13: Trends in Crime for England and Wales¹³

Rolling Year Total no of offences

March 2007 10942

March 2008 9842

March 2009 10283

March 2010 9,344

March 2011 9,446

March 2012 9,345

March 2013 8,487

March 2014 7,318

June 2015 6,482

June 2016 6,398

*Please note that some forces have revised their data and police recorded crime totals may not agree with those previously published in the 2013 South Somerset Profile.

Chart 6: Rolling year crime statistics¹³

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

Total no of offences

Total no of offences


In 2015/16, the most common recorded crime is accounted for by recorded

Antisocial Behaviour incidents (ASB) which account for 28.19%, of the recorded

offences; this is closely followed by the type violent which accounts for 23.61% of the

recorded crime.

Chart 7: Crime & ASB Breakdown for South Somerset District Council Nov 2015 – Oct

2016¹⁴

Table 14: Breakdown of crime & ASB by type in 2015/16¹⁴

Crime/ASB Type Total

Recorded

Percentage

of total

recorded

ASB 2981 28.19

Violent 2497 23.61

CD&A 1143 10.81

Burglary 836 7.91

Shoplifting 827 7.82

Other theft 785 7.42

Public order 676 6.39

Vehicle 396 3.75

Drugs 166 1.57

Other 100 1.04

Bike theft 63 0.60

Robbery 33 0.31

Theft from the person 31 0.29

Weapons 30 0.28


Since 2003, many crime types have seen a reduction in the level of crime as shown in

Chart 5. The Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner has published a

Police and Crime Plan 2015/2017, this is a statutory requirement by the Police

Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011. You can access the plan here:

http://www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk/Document-Library/TERM-ONE/Police-and-

Crime-Plan/PoliceandCrimePlan15/AS-Avon-Somerset-Crime-Plan-2015-web.pdf

Additional information on Community safety can be accessed via SSDC Community

Safety.

3.8 Health Overview

The life expectancy at time of birth for South Somerset residents in 2014, males 80.9

and females 84.40¹⁵, this compares well to the South West life expectancy of 80.2 for

males and 83.2 woman. The national average is a life expectancy of 79.5 years for

males and 83.2 for females⁸.

As part of the Opinions and Lifestyles Survey 2013 the population across Great

Britain was asked what their health had been like in the past 12 months. 79% of

residents said that they were in good or very good health⁸.

In September of 2016 the ONS published details on the Measuring National Well-

being programme which aims to provide insight to peoples quality of life. Questions

related to life satisfaction, worthwhileness things an individual does in life, happiness

and anxiety¹⁶. Results suggest that over-all personal well-being seems to be better

than the national average. South-Somerset residents have indicated the highest

levels of life satisfaction, worthwhile and happiness and least anxiety. See more

details in Chart 8 below.

http://www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk/Document-Library/TERM-ONE/Police-and-Crime-Plan/PoliceandCrimePlan15/AS-Avon-Somerset-Crime-Plan-2015-web.pdf

http://www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk/Document-Library/TERM-ONE/Police-and-Crime-Plan/PoliceandCrimePlan15/AS-Avon-Somerset-Crime-Plan-2015-web.pdf

https://www.southsomerset.gov.uk/community-safety/

https://www.southsomerset.gov.uk/community-safety/


Chart 8: Personal Well-being by Somerset District, 2015/16¹⁶

From: SIP: Subjective Well-being

Additional information on Health and Wellbeing can be accessed via the following

links:

- County and District Profiles

- Health and Wellbeing strategy

- SSDC Community Health and Leisure

http://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/health-profiles

https://www.southsomerset.gov.uk/about-us/health--wellbeing---ssdc's-response-to-somerset-strategy/

https://www.southsomerset.gov.uk/about-us/service-standards/community-health-and-wellbeing/


4. Economy

4.1 People in Employment¹⁷

In South Somerset there are 80,500 people in employment between July 2015 and

June 2016, 13.0% of which are self-employed. Of the residents in employment,

67.2% work full time, between 31 and 49 hours per week. Part time workers account

for the remaining 32.80%¹⁷

The average gross weekly earnings of those working in South Somerset is lower

than the South West and the Great Britain average, with the weekly earnings for full

time workers of £478.20 in 2016. This compares against a gross national weekly pay

of £541.00. Male full time workers earn more per week at £501.70 than females at

£433.00. The gap between male and female income is consistent across Somerset,

In Somerset. Taunton Deane residents have the highest gross weekly income and

Sedgemoor residents have the lowest weekly income at £465.9 (see table below for

more details).

Table 13: Gross Weekly Income (2016)¹⁸

All Full Time

Workers

Male Full Time

Workers

Female Full Time

Workers

South Somerset £478.20 £501.7 £433.0

Taunton Deane £506.5 £559.6 £435.6

Sedgemoor £465.9 £540.0 £372.2

West Somerset Sample size too small for a reliable estimate.

Mendip £499.7 £598.6 £396.8


Table 14: Businesses by industry 2015 (released October 2016)¹⁸

Industry

SO

ME

RS

ET

To

tal

So

uth

So

me

rse

t %

Me

nd

ip

%

Se

dg

em

oo

r

%

Tau

nto

n

Dea

ne %

We

st

So

me

rse

t %

Agriculture; forestry and fishing 3,765 16.4 13.9 14.3 14.3 29.4

Production 1,610 7.3 7.7 7.4 5.4 4.3

Construction 3,005 12.8 13.6 13.5 12.4 8.3

Motor trades 875 3.9 3.2 3.9 4.1 2.9

Wholesale 860 3.7 3.4 3.8 4.1 2.6

Retail 1,685 6.9 7.1 6.9 7.3 8.6

Transport & Storage (including postal) 650 2.3 3.2 3.6 2.3 2.0

Accommodation and food service

activities 1,460 5.5 6.0 7.3 5.3 8.9

Information and communication 1,125 5.1 5.9 3.9 4.6 2.6

Financial and insurance activities 350 1.3 1.2 1.7 2.1 0.9

Property 725 2.8 3.2 3.1 3.8 2.0

Professional, scientific and technical

activities 3,195 13.8 14.1 13.2 14.3 9.7

Business Administration & support

services 1,560 6.5 6.7 6.8 6.6 6.3

Public administration and defence 160 0.7 0.6 0.7 0.6 0.9

Education 370 1.6 1.6 1.7 1.5 1.1

Health 810 3.5 2.8 2.9 5.0 2.6

Arts, recreation & other services 1,410 5.9 5.9 5.5 6.3 7.1


4.2 Unemployment

The labour market in South Somerset is good with low levels of unemployment and

good qualification levels. However, it is important to note that the ageing population

of South Somerset will have an impact on the labour market as there will be a

reduction in those who are economically active.

The proportion of the working age population who are unemployed in South

Somerset is very low. In South Somerset, 0.8% (as a proportion of resident

population of area aged 16-64 and) of people were claiming out-of-work benefits in

2016, compared with 1.2% in the South West and 1.8% nationally¹⁸.

4.3 Skills and Qualifications

In South Somerset, the majority of residents, 36%, with qualifications hold a level 4

or above qualification, an increase from the 2011 figure of 25.1%.

Chart 9: Qualifications of people aged 16 to 64 (Jan 2015-Dec 2015)¹⁸

Qualification Key:

Level Includes

Level 1 fewer than 5 GCSEs at grades A-C, Foundation Diploma

Level 2 5 or more GCSEs at grades A-C, Higher Diploma

Level 3 AS/A Level, Advance Diploma

Level 4 and above Professional Diplomas, Degree, Honours, Masters, Doctoral.

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

Mendip Sedgemoor SouthSomerset

TaontonDeane

WestSomerset

Other Qualifications

NVQ4 And Above

NVQ3 And Above

NVQ2 And Above

NVQ1 And Above

No Qualifications


4.4 Business and Enterprise

South Somerset has a high number of micro and small businesses with 89.74%

employing less than 9 members of staff. South Somerset is just above the Somerset

figure of 89.52% and the South West figure of 88.71% (see Table 15 for more

details). When compared to the other authorities in Somerset, South Somerset has

the highest total number of businesses at 7,070, accounting for nearly a third of all

businesses in Somerset (29.94%).

Table 15: Business by size of employment 2015 (released October 2016)¹⁹

Employment size

0-4

(%)

5-9

(%)

10-19

(%)

20-49

(%)

50-99

(%)

100-

249

(%)

250-

499

(%)

TOTAL

number

UNITED

KINGDOM 76.31 12.42 6.10 3.20 1.01 0.58 0.38 2,449,415

SOUTH WEST 75.63 13.08 6.26 3.27 0.94 0.50 0.31 220,825

Somerset County 76.46 13.06 5.78 3.18 0.89 0.42 0.21 23,615

South Somerset 77.51 12.23 5.37 3.18 0.99 0.50 0.21 7,070

Mendip 75.81 13.09 6.77 2.80 0.81 0.54 0.18 5,540

Sedgemoor 76.24 13.83 5.39 3.17 0.95 0.32 0.11 4,735

Taunton Deane 75.33 13.16 5.97 3.87 0.88 0.33 0.44 4,520

West Somerset 77.71 14.00 4.86 2.57 0.57 0.29 0.00 1,750

South Somerset has a business density of 41 per 1000 population, this compares

against 42 (per 1000 population) across Somerset and 36 (per 1000 population)

across the UK. West Somerset has the highest business density with 49 businesses

per 1000 population, Taunton Deane has the lowest business density (39 per 1000).


Table 16: Total Businesses 2014²⁰

Total

businesses

2014

Business

density (per

1000 population)

Change 2008-2014

Number of

businesses

% of

businesses

United

Kingdom 2,263,650 36 102,095 4.7%

Somerset 22,370 42 -560 -2.4%

South

Somerset 6,680 41 -180 -2.6%

Mendip 5,210 48 -65 -1.2%

Sedgemoor 4,530 40 -25 -0.5%

Taunton Deane 4,265 39 -155 -3.5%

West Somerset 1,685 49 -135 -7.4%


4.5 Tourism

The South West Tourism data for 2015 demonstrates the high numbers of tourists

that South Somerset attracts and the benefits to the economy:

2,851,000 day trips to South Somerset16

£103,033,000 spent in South Somerset by day visitors16

1,053,000 visitors staying in South Somerset16

£51,004,000 spent by visitors staying in South Somerset16

4% of employment is supported by tourism (estimated 2,373 full time jobs)16

Chart 10: Breakdown of tourism expenditure21

Accommodation

Shopping Food and drinkAttractions/

entertainmentTravel

Day visitors £0 £37,657,000 £41,118,000 £12,483,000 £11,775,000

Overseas staying £2,550,000 £2,504,000 £2,089,000 £1,002,000 £948,000

UK staying £14,077,000 £5,457,000 £9,858,000 £4,730,000 £7,788,000

£0

£10,000,000

£20,000,000

£30,000,000

£40,000,000

£50,000,000

£60,000,000

Tourism Expenditure


5. South Somerset Parish and Ward Profiles.

Up to date Parish and Ward Profiles can be viewed by visiting the Somerset

Intelligence Website here: http://www.somersetintelligence.org.uk/community-

profiles.html. Data contained within these profiles include:

Age & Ethnicity

Crime & Mortality

School information

Housing

Qualifications and Adult Social Care Services

Country of Birth & Religion

Language, Health & Car access

Industry

Deprivation

http://www.somersetintelligence.org.uk/community-profiles.html

http://www.somersetintelligence.org.uk/community-profiles.html


Sources of evidence

1 Office National Statistics: Department for Transport

2 Somerset Intelligence Partnership: household-estimates-and-projections

3 Gov.uk: Valuation Office Agency

4 Office National Statistics: Housing

5 Somerset Intelligence Partnership: Environment

6 Office National Statistics: Department of Energy & Climate Change

7 Somerset Intelligence Partnership: Fuel Poverty

8 Office National Statistics: Population and migration

9 Somerset Intelligence Partnership: Migration

10 Office National Statistics: Migration

11 Somerset Intelligence Partnership: South Somerset Profile

12 Somerset Intelligence Partnership : Index of Multiple Deprivation

13 Office National Statistics: Recorded Crime

14 UK Crime statistics

15 Somerset Intelligence Partnership: Life expectancy

16 Somerset Intelligence Partnership: Subjective Well-being

17 NOMIS local Authority Profile

18 Office National Statistics Employment and labour market

19 Office National Statistics Business, industry and trade

20 Somerset Intelligence Partnership: Business Profile

21 Produced on behalf of Somerset County Council by The South West Research

Company Ltd

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