Impacts of mine closure in Doncaster: an index of social stress

This study uses administrative data to characterise small areas within Doncaster, South Yorkshire, a location affected by mine colliery closures. The use of administrative data is motivated by questions about the future of the UK’s Census. Following the 2011 Census, the ‘Beyond 2011’ programme was established by the Office for National Statistics to assess the feasibility of using administrative statistics as an alternative to the census in England and Wales. Informed by Beyond 2011, the National Statistician recommended that there will be a 2021 Census but that the country’s statistical system should be enhanced by greater use of administrative data. An index is developed here relevant to Doncaster which combines information obtained from administrative data on: the economic situation through jobseeker’s allowance claimant counts; health difficulties through incapacity and disability benefit claimants; and economic-gerontography based on the income dependency of the older population. The resulting index represents small area variations in social stress. Doncaster, like many coalfield areas, has seen the industry decline dramatically which has knock on effects to employment rates and health and to the ageing workforce. Summing three standardised variables which capture these dimensions into a single figure index has revealed small area variations in social stress. The result of this relatively simple approach has a close correspondence to the IMD’s sophistication.