Fairness in Kensington and Chelsea
Our challenge
Kensington and Chelsea is home to a vibrant socially and culturally diverse community. The borough celebrates and welcomes different cultures, outstanding schools and hosts a thriving local economy.
However, there are significant differences in income, employment, and health between the most deprived areas of the borough in the north, far west and Chelsea Riverside, and the least deprived areas in the centre and the south. The most recent Index for Multiple Deprivation (2019) named Dalgarno, Golborne and Notting Dale as three of the most deprived wards in London, with Golborne listed as the most deprived.
Low income
As of February 2025, approximately 20% of households in the borough (approx 14,849) were on the Low-Income Family Tracker. Forty eight per cent of these households were in:
- Golborne: 1,690
- Notting Dale: 1,560
- Coleville: 1,373
- Chelsea Riverside: 1,271
- Dalgarno: 1,170
Unemployment
In January 2025, the proportion of residents claiming unemployment-related benefits was higher than the London average (5.6%) in Golborne, Dalgarno, Notting Dale and Chelsea Riverside. Golborne had the highest number of claimants (7.8%). These are all areas with a high concentration of social housing.
Public health
In addition, deprivation can also mean poorer health. Residents in different parts of the borough and from different ethnic backgrounds experience very different health. Children living in Golborne are three times more likely to be overweight than those in Campden and rates of diagnosis of dementia are higher among Black or Black British residents.
Life expectancy
Women in Kensington and Chelsea have the highest life expectancy in the country at 86 years. For men it is the fifth highest at 82 years. We have the fourth highest gap in life expectancy of any local authority in the country. Men in Queen’s Gate ward live on average 17 years longer than men in Notting Dale and women in Holland ward live 18 years longer than those in Notting Dale.
Children and schools
We are proud of our excellent schools and children services provision. Ninety five per cent of our schools in the borough rated as 'Good' or 'Outstanding' by Ofsted. This year, our Children’s Services received their third consecutive 'Outstanding' rating.
Education, skills and training
Recent census data shows that levels of education, skills and training in the borough are relatively high. This does not always translate into good employment results or higher income levels, particularly in our most deprived wards.
Understanding inequality
Data has helped us to understand the scale of inequality in the borough and where to target support. Our plan will help to address some of these challenges, but we recognise that not all solutions are within the council’s control. Our ambition is to work with government, residents and partners to improve outcomes for our residents.