Recent findings reveal a stark reality for many residents in Surrey, where approximately 20,000 children live in poverty despite the county’s reputation for prosperity. Understanding Inequality in Surrey, an authored report by the council’s head of equality, diversity and inclusion, Nikki Parkhill. Beyond highlighting these inequities, this report tells the story of why such hardships exist in communities across the region.
Surrey is perhaps best known as the leafy, affluent land of stockbrokers and stockbrokers’ trolls with its comic opera villages and golf courses. Yet, as the report highlights, this picture does not represent the complete reality for everyone living in this thriving state. Low-income and large families form the bedrock of the country, regularly exposed to increased risks of economic deprivation and housing density. This equally applies to people from Pakistani and Black African backgrounds.
Statistics reveal that racialized communities in Surrey are at a disadvantage when it comes to employment opportunities. They are more than twice as likely to be unemployed as white people. This economic inequality is even harsher for women, who have been hit hard by the current cost-of-living crisis.
Beyond disparities in unemployment, these health disparities are very prevalent for communities of color. The health impacts Gypsy and Irish Traveller residents experience the worst health outcomes of any minority group, including in working-age people. At the same time, Bangladeshi people experience significant health issues by the time they turn 65.
The employment rate for disabled residents is a mere 68%. By comparison, the total employment rate for the general population is 82%. This gap serves to underscore the challenges that disabled people face in seeking secure work. It’s doing its part, too, to widen Surrey’s growing inequality gap.
The gender pay gap in Surrey, recently the third worst in the country, is a huge issue, currently standing at 21%. This number is well above the national average of 13%. This gap points to the systemic barriers that undermine women’s economic security throughout the county.
Digital exclusion is a life-and-death issue. This would impact nearly 50,000 of its residents who may lack access to necessary tech and online tools. This issue deepens already established inequalities, especially for children who need to be able to connect digitally for their schooling.
Surrey Councillor Robert Hughes weighed in on the issue of perception versus reality.
“We do have people that are living on the poverty line, we do have people from different races and different ethnicities that aren’t feeling part of these communities, who are feeling alone – as everywhere else in the country.” – Nikki Parkhill
As the debate rages over these findings, what is evident is that tackling poverty and inequality needs to be a priority for Surrey’s future. As it does so, the report calls on local leaders to begin addressing these challenges themselves. It urges them to adopt plans that foster inclusivity and opportunity for each and every resident.
“I think the image of Surrey being a county of golf courses, wealthy people and pretty villages are a small part of what Surrey is in reality.” – Councillor Robert Hughes
As discussions continue around these findings, it is clear that addressing poverty and inequality is crucial for Surrey’s future. The report serves as a call to action for local leaders to confront these challenges and implement strategies that foster inclusivity and support for all residents.
