Holidays Are Fun annual report 2024 to 2025

Deprivation

According to the Index of Multiple Deprivation 2019, the Borough is the 73rd most deprived Local Authority in England (out of 317). There are 27 wards in Stockton-on-Tees, nine of which are in the 10% most deprived wards in the country.

Inequality

There are highly affluent areas alongside areas of deprivation within Stockton-on-Tees. Some parts of the Northern, Western and Southern areas of the Borough are amongst the least deprived in England. For example, there is a gap of 21 years in average life expectancy amongst men between the most and least deprived wards in Stockton-on-Tees.

Cost of living crisis

At present, the rising costs of food, fuel and other essentials are combining with the existing disadvantages and vulnerability in the Borough to put households under significant pressure. This leaves them at risk of hardship and poor wellbeing in the short-term and reduced opportunity in the long-term.

Children's Services involvement

Within Stockton-on-Tees we have high numbers of families and children who access additional support from Children's Services.

Children in our care

At 31 March 2025 there are 564 children in the care of the local authority. This is a rate of 127.9 per 10,000 children, against a regional rate of 114.0 per 10,000 children.

School challenges

Schools are facing several challenges post-Covid. This is evident in attendance data, closely followed by social and emotional wellbeing, which can result in challenging behaviour within both primary and secondary schools and the community.

Domestic violence

Statistics show that domestic abuse affects a quarter of all residents at some time in their lives, regardless of age, social class, race, disability, sexual orientation, or lifestyle. The visible consequences of this are obvious to see but the hidden consequences are often underestimated, such as isolation, loss of confidence, fear, and despair.

Diversity

Towns in Stockton-on-Tees and the wider North East have high levels of migrants and asylum seekers. Whilst the area welcomes families and migrants and the diversity of cultures it brings, the demands on local services is high and language and cultural barriers can at times be difficult.