Sat, 01 Nov 2025

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 What is life like in one of England's most deprived towns?

Hastings in East Sussex is one of the most deprived local authorities in England, data shows.
Hastings, East Sussex, has been ranked as one of the most deprived areas in England. Barry Ashley, owner of the Grumpy Cook cafe, says the town is "on its knees" due to poverty and neglect. He claims that children are often hungry and without proper clothing, and blames government policies for slashing public services and local authority budgets. Ashley calls for investment in young people and education to break the cycle of poverty. However, a spokesperson for Hastings Borough Council disputes this, saying the town has received significant investment from central and local government, and that ongoing projects will improve jobs and health outcomes. Locals are divided on the issue, with some defending the community spirit and others expressing frustration at the lack of action to address deprivation. Yasmin Ibison from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation says the high level of deprivation in Hastings reflects a lack of labour market opportunities, affordable housing, and poor transport infrastructure. She also notes that deprivation can have serious consequences for people's health, wellbeing, and life expectancy. Ibison calls for community-led initiatives to be supported, saying that this is key to addressing deprivation and giving residents a sense of agency and ownership over their local area. The government has responded by announcing £500m investment in children's development, extending free school meals, and a new crisis support package across the UK.
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