Key messages
Demographics and communities
Canley has experienced a significant population increase over the decade between 2011 and 2021, growing by 37.3%, which is considerably faster than both Coventry’s and the national averages. The most notable demographic change in Canley is the increase in young adults, especially students. A quarter (25.3%) of the total population were identified in the census as schoolchildren or full-time students aged 18+, much higher than the Coventry average of 9.8%. This has resulted in a youthful community where students, many of whom live in the houses in Canley, play a major role in shaping the area's character. Additionally, the number of children in Canley is relatively high, while the proportion of elderly residents is much lower compared to Coventry as a whole.
Canley has also become more diverse, with the ethnic minority population growing faster than the White British population. While 40% of residents are from ethnic minority groups, this remains slightly lower than Coventry's overall diversity levels. However, the increasing presence of international migrants and other minority groups reflects a broader trend of diversification within the area. This growing diversity suggests that Canley is becoming a more multicultural community, though not at the same pace as other parts of the city.
Canley faces challenges regarding social cohesion with the Household Survey 2022 indicating that feelings of belonging and community integration among residents have declined in recent years, falling below the Coventry average. This decline may be linked to the rapid demographic shifts and the large transient student population, which could impact long-term social bonds within the neighbourhood. Initiatives to foster good community relations, could be helpful in making people feel less isolated and more cohesive.
Prospects
Children in Canley face early childhood developmental challenges, with a lower percentage of children reaching a good level of development by age five compared to both Coventry and national averages Additionally, the higher levels of child poverty in the area exacerbate these outcomes, suggesting that socio-economic conditions play a significant role in the early health and development of children in Canley, highlighting a need for continued targeted interventions in maternal and childhood health to improve early development outcomes for children.
Educational outcomes in Canley are also below average, with lower attainment levels at both key stages 2 and 4. A notable proportion of children attend schools that are not rated as good or outstanding, and the area has a higher-than-average percentage of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). These educational disparities indicate that children in Canley face barriers that hinder their academic progress, which can have long-term consequences for their health, employment prospects, and overall quality of life.
Economic challenges are a significant factor influencing health outcomes in Canley. The area experiences high levels of economic inactivity, primarily due to a large student population, but also from residents facing long-term illness or disability. Employment rates in Canley are notably low, with fewer than half of working-age residents in employment. This, combined with higher-than-average unemployment rates, contributes to low household incomes, with a substantial proportion of households earning below £20,000 annually. The prevalence of low-income households further highlights economic insecurity faced by the community, which directly affect both health and quality of life.
Housing and environment
While Canley's local environment fares relatively well compared to other areas of Coventry, with good access to green spaces and better-than-average air quality, however, accessibility to the Family Hub itself and ability to travel between parts of the area are highlighted as concerns. There are notable issues related to safety and community well-being with a significant proportion of residents not feeling safe in their local area. This suggests that despite overall crime rates being similar to the city average, the higher incidence of violent crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) is contributing to residents’ growing sense of insecurity. Addressing these safety concerns will be crucial for improving the overall quality of life in Canley.
Housing is an area that could be explored further, house prices are slightly higher than the city average, and for many residents, affordability remains a significant challenge. Canley has higher rates of fuel poverty exceeding both the Coventry and national averages. This is driven by a combination of high energy costs, lower household incomes, and housing quality. The prevalence of fuel poverty exacerbates the financial strain already faced by many Canley residents, limiting their ability to maintain comfortable living conditions.
Health and wellbeing
Life expectancy in Canley is significantly lower than the Coventry average, reflecting broader health disparities within the community. High rates of premature mortality, with many residents dying before the age of 75, indicate the persistent and deep-rooted health inequalities in the area.
The relatively low vaccination uptake for both COVID-19 and other routine vaccinations, such as seasonal flu and childhood vaccines, suggests that public health outreach and access to healthcare services in Canley could be improved. These lower vaccination rates, compared to both city and national averages, point to potential barriers in healthcare access, education, or trust in health services.
Residents in Canley have a more limited access to healthcare services, with greater distances to GP practices, pharmacies, and hospitals, coupled with low car ownership rates, create significant barriers to healthcare access. With nearly half of households lacking access to a car, residents are more reliant on public transport, which may be insufficient or unreliable.
Lifestyle factors such as high smoking rates and elevated levels of alcohol-related hospital admissions also contribute to Canley’s poor health outcomes. Interventions that focus on increasing healthcare access, improving vaccination uptake, and promoting healthier lifestyles are essential, but must be supported by efforts to address the root causes of deprivation and inequality in Canley.