Key Themes (Social and Welfare, State of the South West 2011)
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10.1.1 In comparison with many of the other English regions, the South West has relatively low levels of deprivation, strong communities, high levels of civic participation and offers its inhabitants a generally healthy living environment and high quality of life.
10.1.2 However, this broadly positive picture masks the fact that there are very real pressures on communities and individuals in the region, for example with pockets of severe deprivation in some areas, persistent and entrenched levels of worklessness in others and access to services an issue for many rural and particular urban areas.
10.1.3 In common with the rest of the UK, the South West has since 2008 been experiencing the longest period of recession since 1955 (when quarterly GDP figures were first collected, see also, the Economy Chapter). A modest recovery is now underway but a number of factors will constrain growth with rates expected to remain subdued for some time. Although the recession led to an increase in unemployment, the South West has not been as adversely affected as other regions and unemployment rates have already begun to fall.
10.1.4 The South West, like the rest of the UK, is however now facing the constraints of a much tighter public sector financial climate, whilst needing to address potentially increased levels of demand for services from some sections of society. Research has been carried out into the potential impacts of the extensive public sector cuts, in terms not only of potential job losses but also service provision and welfare reform. The research highlights some of the vulnerabilities
particularly in more rural areas of the region. See also, SWO Economy Module Special Publications, Impact of Public Sector Spending Cuts, September 2010.
10.1.5 The South West has the oldest demographic profile of any English region with the proportion of older people forecast to increase over the next twenty years. Whilst older people make an important and valued contribution to society, an ageing population has implications for the ongoing and future provision of services in meeting the demand for support, especially for the very elderly and infirm.
10.1.6 There are around half a million people in the South West providing unpaid care for family members, friends and neighbours. This constitutes a significant injection of resource and creates a challenge for the South West in ensuring the continuation of this informal caring network and its support for a range of vulnerable groups.
10.1.7 At the time of writing, the Welfare Reform Bill 2011 has just been put through Parliament (16th February 2011). The Bill attempts to make the welfare system less complex, and to provide real incentives to get people back into employment, whilst still protecting the most vulnerable. It remains to be seen how these reforms will impact on the South West. Impacts are likely to be felt amongst the more vulnerable groups in the region, such as our ageing population and informal caring network.
10.1.8 The Voluntary and Community Sector makes a substantial and important contribution to the well being of people in the South West.This work is increasingly undertaken in partnership with local authorities, health services and other statutory agencies. The numbers of charitable bodies and levels of volunteering in the South West are the highest in England and help to grow and sustain strong and thriving local communities, supported by active social purpose organisations and social enterprise businesses. The voluntary and community sector will continue to play a key role in supporting communities as the region adjusts to the impact of the recession. With the current Coalition Government's focus on 'Big Society' and the promotion of volunteering and civic action, the South West's strength in this area may become increasingly important.
