Frequently Asked Questions
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How were Neighbourhoods defined?
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Will Neighbourhood boundaries be changed?
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What is the difference between the Vitality Index (VI ) and the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD )?
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Where is the GENIE Interactive Mapping System (IMS ) and what can it do?
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What are Output Areas (OA s)?
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What are Lower Layer Super Output Areas (LLSOA s)?
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Why are Mid Year Population Estimates always a year out of date on their release?
1. How were Neighbourhoods defined?
The 85 neighbourhoods in Gateshead were drawn using local knowledge of the area from Gateshead's Neighbourhood Management Team. The boundaries reflect 'natural' neighbourhoods as closely as possible. The neighbourhoods are based on a balance between being an appropriate reflection of local communities and being large enough to enable statistically meaningful analysis. Each neighbourhood contains on average around 1,000 dwellings, although there are some smaller neighbourhoods due to their geographic location.
Neighbourhood names are based on local intelligence of the area, however we understand that local views and opinions may differ on the choice of these names.
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2. Will Neighbourhood boundaries be changed?
The current set of neighbourhood boundaries have been developed based on local intelligence and in consultation with local councillors. Some neighbourhoods may not appear to reflect what would normally be defined as a 'natural' neighbourhood. This is because neighbourhoods are based on a balance between being an appropriate reflection of 'natural' neighbourhoods and being large enough to enable meaningful statistical analysis (neighbourhoods must contain approximately 1,000 dwellings).
Neighbourhoods will be subject to minor changes to accommodate housing developments not already within an existing neighbourhood. Large scale housing developments may result in the creation of new neighbourhoods.
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3. What is the difference between the Vitality Index (VI) and the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD)?
Both the VI and the IMD measure relative deprivation at a small area level. The VI uses Gatesheads neighbourhood geography as its basis, whilst the IMD uses the national Lower Layer Super Output Area geography. The indicators used in both the VI and IMD differ, however the domains that these indicators are grouped into are similar.
The VI is advantageous in that it uses the most up to date data available, and is updated on an annual basis (the data is usually only one year old at most). The IMD is only produced every three to four years, and the latest IMD in 2004 used some data that was three years old (2001). However, the IMD's advantage is that it is a national index, making comparisons between areas anywhere in England possible, whereas the Gateshead VI is restricted to areas within Gateshead only.
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4. Where is the GENIE Interactive Mapping System (IMS) and what can it do?
The GENIE IMS is currently being developed and it is hoped that it will be made available on the GENIE webpage early next year (2008).
GENIE IMS will use the latest Geographical Information System (GIS ) technology to link useful data to maps and tables. This will enable users to visualise data, to compare different datasets on screen at the same time, and to analyse trends over time at different geographical levels. In addition to data usually accessed at ward, district, Tyne and Wear level or above, where possible it will provide access to data at small area levels such as neighbourhoods, postcodes and Census output areas. Users will also be able to add key features to maps such as libraries, schools and doctors surgeries. Historical maps will be available to view along with aerial photographs of the borough.
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5. What are Output Areas (OAs)?
Output Areas were originally designed for use with the Census 2001. They contain around 125 households and originally 'nested' within wards, although this is not necessarily the case following ward boundary reviews.
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6. What are Lower Layer Super Output Areas (LLSOAs)?
LLSOAs are a conglomeration of a number of Output Areas. LLSOAs have a minimum population size of 1,000 and an average of 1,500.
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7. Why are Mid Year Population Estimates always a year out of date on their release?
The Office for National Statistics is responsible for producing the Mid Year Population Estimates. The estimates have to be produced in the year immediately following the subject year in order to accurately take account of increases in births, deaths and international migration. Mid Year Population Estimates are therefore usually expected for release in the autumn of the following year.