Council bosses have turned their fire on the Government after new figures showed Hartlepool has one of the highest proportions of deprived areas in the country.

The Department for Communities and Local Government English Indices of Deprivation 2015 report includes a table of the 20 local authority districts with the highest proportion of neighbourhoods in the most deprived 10 per cent nationally, which places Hartlepool at number 10.

It would be much fairer for all local authorities to share the burden of cuts as a percentage of their overall net budgets.

Coun Christopher Akers-Belcher

Hartlepool council leader Coun Christopher Akers-Belcher said: “These figures do not come as a surprise as Hartlepool council has waged a long-running fight against deprivation.

“We have brought youth unemployment down to record low levels and have a clear vision for the future that involves creating a cleaner and greener town, eradicating derelict buildings, tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, providing services that give children the best start in life and transforming home care.

“The Hartlepool Vision presents us with an opportunity to regenerate and breathe new life into key areas, and we will soon be unveiling the Regeneration Masterplan for the marina and surrounding area.

“However, we continue to be hampered by Government spending power cuts which have had a disproportionate impact on Hartlepool.

Hartlepoolcouncil’s spending power has been cut by £313 per person – while in Windsor and Maidenhead the cut has been just £14.

“It would be much fairer for authorities to share the burden as a percentage of their overall net budgets.”