Area's of Oxford most deprived in England

Yes it's true poverty in Rose Hill, Oxford is one of the disgraceful end results of this Governments actions. Cuts in benefits, fuel price increases, food costing more, where will it end?

Apparently the children in particular are struggling to find enough food to eat, clothing is difficult for these low income families, yet less than 4 miles away the City is thriving in comparison.

Happy Christmas kids!

There are several areas in the big cities around these parts that are very deprived, as Ron says these areas are usually only a few miles from the bustling well off city centres.

I know many of the people in these areas are genuinely needy, but the ones with the 52 inch flat screen TV's, the flash cars, the smokers and drinkers who say they can't afford to feed their children, well frankly I've no time for them whatsoever. I've worked these areas and if you can afford the price of 40 cigarettes a day but say you can't afford food then there is something very wrong.

I wish I had a pound for every time I've heard the phrase 'I need my benefits so I can go get my ciggies' 

Oxford is split into two cities. The centre has the ancient colleges which exude wealth and privilege, supported by endowments dating back many centuries.  It is inevitable that the centre of Oxford is far wealthier than many areas for historical reasons and also enjoys the wealth generated by tourism.

The area Ron refers to, and similar adjoining areas of Oxford, is a mixture of council and private housing, such as exists in any UK town. For a family living on benefits, the cap is £500 per week. This corresponds to a gross income of about £30,000 per year, which is more than many working people earn.

As Ruth suggests, it is often a question of how families wish to prioritise their spending. We do not have a flat screen TV, our washing machine is now 18 years old. I do not smoke or buy Lottery tickets. I buy second-hand cameras and lenses. My car is 15 years old...etc etc

I am proud of the excellence of the colleges which make up the University, and the many achievements in science and arts which they have produced. I don't think the University  can be blamed for the apparent social inequality in Oxford.

Again I totally agree with your comments Edward and yes it sounds almost, no it is immoral to be handed £500 a week and they then say we can't manage, but there is no way the kids can be blamed, they go hungry regardless.

We will soon be classed as a 'Third World Country'. What a disgrace!