Pressure on housing and transport links will need improving to build on the strong economy according to the most detailed report into the state of living in Wiltshire.

The Wiltshire Uncovered report, published by the Wiltshire Community Foundation, brings together all available information into employment, housing, mental health, social services and education in the county.

It found while Wiltshire is an attractive business destination and offers low rents along with above average wages, there are pockets of extreme deprivation and issues with transport networks and internet connectivity.

It said: “Housing in Wiltshire is unaffordable for many. The average house costs approximately 8.6 times the average wage of low income people. Rural poverty is hidden but significant. The cost of living in rural areas is significantly higher than in urban areas. Housing is less affordable and services are harder to access. The distance to the nearest shop is often much further and the cost of basic services often higher.

“We have a large and ageing older population. Our population of 65 plus and 80 plus-year-olds is expected to double by 2035. 31 per cent of Wiltshire’s population will be over 65 by 2035, 11 per cent will be over 80 years old. This will result in a significant increase in demand for services related to ageing and the need for care at home.

“Transport networks don’t work for those without private transport. In rural Wiltshire 10,900 people do not have access to a car or van, 6,810 of these are pensioners. Journeys can take over two hours by bus to reach amenities in some areas.”

The report also found higher than average numbers of children under 15 are self harming, whether inflicting injuries or using drink or drugs.

Chief executive Rosemary Macdonald said alarm bells are now ringing about mental health services.

“This is a symptom of underfunding of mental health services,” she said. “That is our Cinderella service. The children doing these things are coming from broken homes or have little hope. There are lots of different factors and that number is a warning light flashing.

“Children’s services are being stretched or cut and like everywhere else the council is failing to provide youth services. The voluntary sector has lots of wonderful groups but a lot of them work in isolation.

“Getting some of those groups to work more closely together could end up making a big impact.”

As part of a scheme to rehome troops stationed overseas it is expected 4,000 extra servicemen and their families will be settled in and around Tidworth.

“Wiltshire has the largest presence of military because of the major training area at Salisbury Plain,” said Mrs Macdonald “There is already quite a large garrison at Tidworth; in 2001 it has just over 7,000 people and now has 17,000, with another 4,000 on the way. That is not necessarily a bad thing but these areas have very little in terms of infrastructure.”

People living in deprived rural areas are of particular concern, with many lacking transport, internet or even basic heating.

“Buses are not frequently used and it is a vicious cycle that if something is not used it will be cut,” said Mrs macdonald. “The council is desperately trying to find a solution but hasn’t yet.

“One of the main things that has struck me is the rural deprivation. Around 50 per cent of social pension and lone parent households live in social housing, and 4,500 rural households do not have central heating, which is usually down to old housing stock. 10,090 have no car or van for their own transport.

“It is more expensive to be poor in rural areas because you have to pay so much for heating and transport costs.

“Internet connectivity is also an issue because those who are not connected are disproportionately affected because they cannot save on bills and pay on average £440 more.

“The main message is that we are all lucky to live here, and overall it is a great place to live, but we must not forget the people who are falling behind.”

Read the full report at www.wiltshirecf.org.uk