RESIDENTS feel not enough is being done about the issues highlighted in the report.
Richard Talbot, aged 65, chairman of the Penkhull Residents' Association, below, says families are just left to make the best of things.
He said: "There are two issues which relate to these figures – the lack of quality of some councillors and the lack of professional leadership.
"We have had 50 years of bad management in Stoke-on-Trent.
"Due to the city being split into six towns, they're all competing for the best materials. It's almost like when one town gets something, the others must too, and this isn't fair. Other issues are being left behind.
"One of the big issues we face is employment for young people. There are few opportunities in the city and I think educational deprivation really makes them struggle.
"I haven't really witnessed any improvements to the health and wellbeing of residents, and if something has been done, it's been small and insignificant."
Paul Breeze, aged 58, chairman of the Hanley One Residents' Association, said even those with good qualifications struggle to find work.
He said: "I don't think things have been the same since the loss of jobs. When Stoke-on-Trent lost its potters, people have been without jobs and it's had a big impact on the city. The provision of jobs in the area also isn't very high – I have sons who have graduated from university, but they can't get into the jobs they want.
"One of the biggest problems that is reported about in our residents' association meetings is anti-social behaviour. We've had a strong link with the council and other services over the past 10 years but these are threatened due to the government cuts.
"I think that we are in bleak times, and there are worse to come. We must stay positive, or all hope is lost."
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