Using Census data to derive a new area-based measure of deprivation - Summary

Updated 19 March 2024

Updated analysis of HESA's measure of deprivation - Socioeconomic Index for Small Areas (SEISA)

In October 2021, HESA released the first working paper relating to a new UK-wide area-based measure of deprivation based on Census 2011 data. We requested feedback from users on the potential value this could bring, as well as any further exploratory work they would like to see from us.

The sector was positive about the usefulness of the measure we had created, with many of the comments asking for HESA to conduct supplementary research to support its development. A summary of the requests is outlined below.

• More information on why education and occupation have been used to generate the measure and how we reached the conclusion not to include aspects such as housing tenure and car ownership.
• Where possible, additional analysis that illustrates the extent to which our measure is correlated with income (ideally equivalised and net of housing costs) and other factors associated with deprivation.
• Further comparisons with existing area-based measures, including the individual components of the Indices of Deprivation and an Income Deprivation Affecting Children measure (where available).

Here, we publish an updated paper that seeks to address the feedback submitted. This is more technical in nature and is designed to complement our interactive map and postcode search tool.

See the SEISA interactive map and postcode search tool

Download the technical report as pdf

Thank you to all those who reviewed and provided feedback on earlier editions of this work.

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