The gap between some of the most deprived and least deprived communities in Oxfordshire appears to be narrowing, according to recent Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) data.
Published: Tuesday, 20th January 2026
In 2019, the IMD showed that there were 10 communities in Oxfordshire that had small areas identified as being in the 20 per cent most deprived nationally. In October 2025, the new release of the IMD data showed that this has reduced to eight.
Since the publication of the 2019/20 Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Public Health Annual Report (DPHAR), which focused on inequalities and deprivation across ten communities in the county, there has been a marked focus on collaborative efforts to reduce inequalities in those areas.
In a joined up approach, the county council, city and district councils, the NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire Integrated Care Board, and voluntary and community sector organisations have been working together to tackle inequalities and improve health outcomes.
Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Public Health and Communities, said: “There has been a clear commitment from local partners, community leaders, and the public to create a healthier, fairer future for all.
“My next director of public health annual report will reflect on five years of positive and sustained work in our community insight profile areas. The milestone of the release of new IMD data offers an opportunity to renew our shared commitment to tackling health inequalities, while celebrating achievements sharing learning from recent collaborations.”
Councillor Rob Pattenden, Cherwell District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Healthy Communities, said: “These profiles have allowed us to connect with local communities to get a clearer understanding of how we can better serve our residents, improve access to support, and make more informed decisions that make a meaningful difference.
“Through public health funding we have built stronger, more sustainable community services, with Insight Profiles providing the evidence needed to deliver projects like the Play Zones in Ruscote and Grimsbury. We’ve invested over £100,000 in projects to help to narrow inequalities, and we’ll continue working closely with partners and communities to keep this momentum going.”
Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “While it is great to see progress made in tackling inequalities here in Oxfordshire, there remains a gap between the most and least deprived, more so particularly in some areas, so there is still plenty of work to do. Our continued work as a Marmot Place will also help to build on the progress already made to support the creation of policies, strategies and services to minimise health inequalities. Together, we are building a healthier, more equal county: one where every resident has the opportunity to thrive.”
Councillor Chewe Munkonge, Cabinet Member for a Healthy, Fairer Oxford, Oxford City Council, said: "It is pleasing to see that progress is being made in tackling health inequalities, one of the city council's key priorities. We are proud of the work we have done to support people to live well, particularly by focusing on community health. This includes working with local partners, including the NHS and Active Oxfordshire, such as our physical activity programmes, YouMove, Move Together and GO-Active, as well as health promotion events and local initiatives across the city."
Councillor Rachel Crouch, West Oxfordshire District Council’s Executive Member for Stronger, Healthy Communities, said: “Our hope is that this new data, and the spotlight it brings, will enable even stronger collaboration and greater investment to bring fairer opportunities to communities facing the biggest barriers to health and wellbeing. While inequalities still exist, the findings are encouraging and underline the importance of sustained action to support the people and places that need it most.”
The Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), compiled by Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, is the official measure of relative deprivation across England and includes indicators such as income, employment, health, education, crime, housing and living environment. All these factors can contribute to the wider determinants and building blocks of health.