Wales Ward

Introduction

Providing vibrant, connected and safe neighbourhoods is a priority for Rotherham Council and communities are at the heart of everything we do. We were elected as your Wales Ward Councillors to listen to your views and work with you to make a difference in the local community.

We know many of our residents are passionate about making their community a better place to live and we are here to work in partnership and make these improvements a reality. In order to develop this Ward plan we spoke to you to find out what matters the most. We did this through a number of events and just by speaking to you whilst out and about in the community.

The priorities laid out in this plan will contribute to three key outcomes which are set out in ‘Thriving Neighbourhoods’, our neighbourhood strategy for 2018- 2025:

• Neighbourhoods are safe and welcoming with good community spirit
• Residents are happy, healthy and love where they live
• Residents use their skills and assets to contribute to the outcomes that matter to them.

We’re now looking forward to working together to make these priorities come to life. The Ward plan will be updated regularly and placed on the Council website so everyone can see what’s being achieved in Wales. If you haven’t yet been involved but want to have your say, it’s not too late. Our contact details are included on our ward page.

The Ward today

Households

Estimated Tenure: 83% owner occupied, 9% social rented, 8% private rented The number of dwellings in Wales has increased by 82 (+1.7%) since 2011 and there are 96 more households (+2.0%).

Deprivation

Deprivation in Wales Ward is well below the Borough average and in most of the ward is around or below the national average. The most deprived area is within the most deprived 27% of England. The small size of settlements and awkward statistical boundaries make it difficult to differentiate deprivation levels elsewhere in the ward but generally Todwick and the eastern half of Kiveton Park are the least deprived areas. Income deprivation is below average in Wales for all age groups. Whilst children are more likely to be affected by income deprivation than adults, the level is still well below the Borough average.

Health

Wales had rates of poor health and disability below the Borough average in 2011 but higher than the national average, reflected also in DLA claims in 2015.

Education

Key Stage 2 Level 4 in Reading, Writing & Maths 2014: 86% (Rotherham 77%, England 78%) 5+ GCSE inc English & Maths 2014: 67.8% (Rotherham 55%, England 53.4%)

Primary and secondary attainment in 2014 was well above the Rotherham and national averages.

Crime and anti-social behaviour

Recorded crime and anti-social behaviour are below the borough average.

Ward priorities

For the municipal year 2020/21 your ward councillors have taken a look at refreshing the local priorities to help meet the needs of the community. After consulting with partners, internal colleagues and, most importantly, the community, the following priorities have been agreed

1. To support and develop initiatives to improve the local environment
2. To support and develop initiatives to improve road safety in the community.
3. To support and develop initiatives around combating social isolation, loneliness and wellbeing
4. To continue to support local community and voluntary organisations, particularly those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic