DRAFT North Somerset Sustainable Community Strategy 08 - 26.pdf

We have higher than expected use of hospitals relating to alcoholconsumption. To measure the level of alcohol-related impacts in anarea, each of the 354 Authorities in England has been ranked by anindicator. Our area reports relatively high rates of both alcohol-related(for example, unintentional injury) and alcohol-specific (for example,alcoholic liver disease or overdose) hospital admissions, although thesedata do not include Accident and Emergency admissions. A 2004snapshot of Accident and Emergency attendances on one Friday nightat Weston General Hospital revealed that just over half presentingbetween 9pm and 3am were alcohol related 29 .North Somerset appears to have a relatively high number of people withmental/behavioural disorders and a relatively low number of peopleengaged with mental health services 30 . This mismatch implies a need todevelop local services for people with mental health problems.We have improved our sexual health services and they are consideredto be very successful, and an exemplar for services elsewhere. Ourteenage pregnancy rates are now decreasing 31 .Our child population is generally healthy but, as in the rest of England,childhood obesity is increasing. Infant mortality rates in North Somersethave been consistently higher than the South West average thoughlower than the national average 32 . We are committed to improving themental health and wellbeing of children and young people and want toprevent problems by increasing support for parents, reducing bullyingand improving the Child and Adolescent Mental Health services forthose who need them. We want to improve our services for children withdisabilities and those who are particularly vulnerable to eradicate anyproblems they may experience accessing the help they need.HousingIn North Somerset most people are owner-occupiers; this accounts for79.4% of housing stock. However, there is a growing gap betweenwages and the cost of purchasing a home. The average house price inNorth Somerset is now almost nine times the average income of thoseworking in the district. In 2006 the average house price was £201,963compared to the national average of £199,184. Between 1998 and 2006house prices rose by 154% whereas nationally the increase was 136% 33 .Those renting from a private landlord or living rent-free account for11.3%, and those renting from Registered Social Landlords account for anadditional 9.3% 34 . Private rented housing costs are 16% higher than thenational average at around £575 per week for a two-bedroom house 35 .We must look at ways to narrow the gap between wages and housingcosts, and provide affordable housing to tackle this situation.We have a growing number of people seeking social housing in thearea. In June 2007 there were 5093 applicants on the Housing NeedsRegister 36 ; the trend is upward, and we expect this to continue.Availability of housing association property is limited, and properties tothe north of the district are at a premium. More than 50% of those14