The Purpose Coalition’s Breaking Down Barriers Commission has analysed every Parliamentary constituency in the United Kingdom to identify the greatest barrier to opportunity in local communities.
The barriers to opportunity are split into seven categories.
Overwhelmingly the need for good quality and affordable housing is the greatest barrier to opportunity, coming top in 204 Parliamentary constituencies. The cost of energy bills is also a major concern, as the greatest barrier to 133 constituencies.
Access to educational opportunities is the greatest barrier in 89 constituencies and access to local healthcare comes top in 74 constituencies, whilst the risk of crime and anti-social behaviour is the greatest barrier in 59 constituencies, and the cost of all overall living in 11 constituencies.
What’s the greatest barrier to opportunity in your constituency?
Notably, in the constituencies of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves, the need for good quality and affordable housing is the greatest barrier. In Conservative Leader Rishi Sunak’s constituency, the need for access to educational opportunities remains the greatest barrier - as it remains in many rural constituencies across the United Kingdom.
The Breaking Down Barriers Commission, part of the wider Purpose Coalition is working with organisations across the country to tackle these barriers - including Lumo and Hull Trains, the Co-op, Leonardo, Sodexo, The Wise Group and many more, alongside universities, colleges, local NHS Trusts and local authorities.