Machynlleth and Llanfair Caereinion residents have ‘worst’ quality of life in north Powys

A Population Wellbeing Assessment by Powys Teaching Health Board identified “some stark figures” across north Powys when comparing with other localities throughout mid and south Powys.

The health board said north Powys is a priority for investment and “more innovative and effective health and care delivery”.

Machynlleth and Llanfair Caereinion are the only two localities in Montgomeryshire that perform the worst in every wellbeing category recorded in the ‘Case for Change’ report.

The 6,228 people living in the Llanfair Caereinion area and the 6,186 who live in the Machynlleth area will experience the widest gap in life expectancy compared with other localities in Montgomeryshire. The localities also have the highest smoking rates.

Children have the highest percentage of being overweight and obese while the areas have one of the highest uptakes of free school meals.

Machynlleth and Llanfair Caereinion areas experience the lowest number of available childcare places. Both areas also have the highest number of children on the child protection register, along with Newtown and Llanidloes.

Machynlleth and Llanfair Caereinion have the largest number of energy inefficient properties and the highest percentage of people living in fuel poverty in old shire. Households that need to spend more than 10 per cent of their income on heating are defined as being in fuel poverty, according to the Welsh Government.

High levels of homelessness and reported crime have been recorded in both localities.

However, the Llanfair Caereinion area, along with Newtown and Llanidloes, is one of the main employment and economic areas within north Powys.

During a feedback session at Llanfair Caereinion Library, residents praised the “extremely good care and help” from NHS staff and reliable public transport.

A draft ‘Model of Care’ survey ends on Sunday, January 19, at www.powyswellbeing.wales/keydocuments