This is a brief look at some of the headline statistics in our area with similar statistics being repeated up and down the UK. Based on statistics gathered from the Kensington and Chelsea, Brent, Westminster and Hammersmith & Fulham census 2001 and the Crime Statistics website.

5.7 % of people aged 16–74 living in the borough are unemployed and 36% are economically inactive. 32% of Males and 20% of females aged 20-24 are unemployed. The fact these people are not economically viable is due to low income, making them susceptible to the poverty trap and a benefit dependant way of life. Household income in this part of the borough is in the bottom 10th percentile in the EU.

From 2001 to 2005, crime rates dropped by 11% BUT drugs offences rose by 52%. This is an important statistic which clearly shows how drug offences often link other social problems which are on the rise, e.g. low income and mental health problems. This is of great concern as increased drug use will amplify the instants of mental health breakdown in our communities and currently 32.2% of residents living in the borough suffer from mental illness.

Violent crime has risen by 15%. This form of crime is a particularly damaging aspect of criminal behaviour due to its rippling effect on people’s perception of community safety. When people believe there is a lot of crime in the area, it is almost impossible for them to feel safe. The effect a victim of violent crime suffers, goes beyond the crime itself and greatly affects the people in the area where the crime was committed.

29.5% of households within the borough are living in overcrowded conditions. This lack of room to grow affects many aspects of family life e.g. younger people having no privacy or space to do homework. There is also a lack of privacy for adults and this undoubtedly causes increased levels of stress.