Population & Deprivation: Population 74,240; predominantly White (97%). Low deprivation with no Core20 areas. Child poverty (22.8%) below national average.
Health Outcomes: Life expectancy above England average; premature mortality 21% lower than national rate. Preventable mortality also lower.
Behavioural Risks: Smoking and alcohol-related harm below Norfolk and England averages. Obesity and inactivity remain challenges.
Disease Burden: Lower prevalence of major LTCs compared to Norfolk overall, but ageing population will increase demand of care, especially for conditions such as dementia.
Wider Determinants: Good access to primary care and pharmacies. Rurality poses transport challenges. Civic assets and childcare provision support community wellbeing, but childcare accessibility is low compared to more urban areas.
There is no single definition of a neighbourhood in the NHS and local authority planning context.
Neighbourhoods can be understood in several ways: Administrative or statistical boundaries such as wards, parishes, or Middle Layer Super Output Areas (MSOAs), which provide stable geographies for data analysis.
Natural communities or economic centres like market towns or main urban areas, reflecting where people live, work, and access services.
Functional service areas, for example, GP practice or NHS trust catchments, which align with how health and care services are delivered.
Collaborative structures such as Primary Care Networks (PCNs) or integrated care partnerships, which represent groups of organisations working together to serve a defined population.
These neighbourhood profiles draw on recorded data for these areas -whether by GP practice population, PCN, or statistical geography - to provide a shared evidence base for planning, resource allocation, and addressing health inequalities.
Diss, Long Stratton, Loddon Waveney Valley encompasses the full spectrum of urban to rural areas. There are no areas of high deprivation. The area’s population is older than the Norfolk & Waveney average, with fewer children and young adults. There is moderate variation in the age profile between small areas.
Diss, Long Stratton, Loddon Waveney Valley is less deprived than the national and Norfolk & Waveney average. None of the population live in small areas that are among the 20% most deprived areas in England (Core20 areas). Across Norfolk and Waveney, 14.4% live in Core20 areas.
Neighbourhoods (MSOAs) with the highest proportions of non-White residents in Diss, Long Stratton, Loddon Waveney Valley include Diss & Roydon (4.4%) and Trowse, Poringland & Stoke Holy Cross (3.7%).
In Diss, Long Stratton, Loddon Waveney Valley, 16.5% of children aged 0-19 live in low-income families, compared to 22.8% across Norfolk and Waveney and 22.2% across England. 22.8% of children aged 0 to 15 in Diss, Long Stratton, Loddon Waveney Valley are estimated to live in poverty according to the Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index (IDACI). In England overall, this is 36.25%. In Diss, Long Stratton, Loddon Waveney Valley, 18.0% of pupils from Reception to Year 13 are eligible for free school meals. This is significantly lower than across all schools in Norfolk, where 24.2% of pupils are eligible.
Economically Active Definition: Aged between 16-64 and either in employment, unemployed but looking for work and could start within two weeks of an offer, or unemployed but waiting to start a job that had been offered and accepted.
During the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents (aged 16-64) who were economically active within the Norfolk and Waveney neighbourhoods was generally lower than both the East of England (61.8% economically active) and England average (60.9% economically active).Within the Diss, Long Stratton, and Loddon Waveney Valley neighbourhood, 57.9% of working-age residents were classified as economically active, while 42.1% were economically inactive. These proportions position the area within the mid-range of economic activity when compared to other neighbourhoods, but still lower than the regional and national averages.
Levels of economic activity reported across MSOAs within the Diss, Long Stratton, and Loddon Waveney Valley neighbourhood in the 2021 Census were consistently below the East of England average (61.8% active) and generally below the England average (60.9% active).
Within the neighbourhood, Harleston and Pulham recorded the lowest proportion of economically active residents aged 16-64 at 55.1%, indicating high levels of economic inactivity among the working-age population.
In contrast, Long Stratton, Carlton Rode and Tibenham recorded the highest proportion of economically active residents (61%) among MSOAs within the neighbourhood, aligning with the national average for England, but slightly below the regional average.
Occupation, as recorded in the 2021 Census, is derived from an individual’s main job title and the activities associated with that role. Values are based on the proportion of usual residents aged 16 and over in employment. In the Diss, Long Stratton, and Loddon Waveney Valley neighbourhood, professional occupations represented the largest occupational group, with 18.4% of usual residents aged 16 years and over in employment engaged in these roles. This mirrors patterns observed across Norfolk and England. In addition, the proportion of residents employed in managerial and skilled trade roles exceeded the averages for Norfolk and England, indicating a comparatively high presence of leadership and technical expertise roles within the local labour market.
In contrast, employment in caring, sales, process, and elementary occupations was consistently below the Norfolk average and at, or below, the England average. This suggests a relatively low concentration of individuals engaged in routine and manual forms of work within the neighbourhood, compared to county and national averages.
Universal Credit is a monthly payment from the government to help with living costs for individuals on a low income or out of work. Eligible individuals must be between 18 and 66 years of age and have less than £16,000 in money, saving and investments.
The proportion of residents claiming Universal Credit varies significantly across neighbourhoods. The Diss, Long Stratton, and Loddon Waveney Valley neighbourhood reported one of the lowest claimant rates during this period (13.2%), significantly below 15 of the 19 other neighbourhoods. The proportion of claimants in the Diss, Long Stratton, and Loddon Waveney Valley neighbourhood was also lower than both the East of England (16.3%) and England (18%) averages.
In August 2025, the proportion of residents aged 18 to 66 claiming Universal Credit varied significantly between MSOA areas within the Diss, Long Stratton and Loddon Waveney Valley neighbourhood (ranging from 10.5%-18%)Harleston & Pulham recorded the highest proportion of claimants at 18%, closely followed by Diss & Roydon at 17.7%. Both areas had significantly higher claimant rates than all other MSOAs in the neighbourhood and the East of England average (16.3%), but were similar to the England average (18%). This suggests that these areas may experience comparatively greater levels of economic inactivity within the neighbourhood, aligning more closely with national patterns than regional ones.
Trowse, Poringland and Stoke Holy Cross recorded the lowest proportion of claimants at 10.5%, significantly below four of the other seven MSOAs within the neighbourhood as well as the regional and national averages. This suggests that economic inactivity in this area is less pronounced compared to both local, regional and national benchmarks.
Personal Independence Payments (PIP) entitlement statistics covers individuals currently receiving PIP and those whose payments are temporarily suspended (e.g., during a hospital stay).To be eligible for PIP an individual needs to be between 16-66 and have a long-term condition which makes everyday tasks or mobility difficult. PIP provides support through two components: daily living (help with everyday activities) and mobility (help with getting around).
Diss, Long Stratton and Loddon Waveney Valley had one of the lowest proportions of individuals entitled to PIP (7.9%) across neighbourhoods, significantly below 17 of the 19 other neighbourhoods. Entitlement was also below the England average (8.7%) but similar to the East of England average (8%). This indicates the prevalence of long-term health conditions or disabilities requiring support may be comparatively lower in this area than nationally, though broadly aligned with regional patterns.
In June 2025, the proportion of residents aged 16 to 66 entitled to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) varied significantly across MSOA areas within the Diss, Long Stratton and Loddon Waveney Valley neighbourhood (ranging from 6.4%-9.4%).
Harleston & Pulham recorded the highest proportion of residents entitled to PIP) within the neighbourhood, at 9.4%. This rate was significantly higher than three of the other eight MSOAs in the neighbourhood, indicating a comparatively greater prevalence of health-related support needs in this area.
Trowse, Poringland and Stoke Holy Cross recorded the lowest at 6.4%. This difference was statistically significant, with entitlement in Trowse, Poringland and Stoke Holy Cross significantly lower than five of the other eight MSOAs. This indicates that Trowse, Poringland and Stoke Holy Cross may have a comparatively lower prevalence of long-term health conditions or disabilities that require support
Compared to England, the Diss, Long Stratton, Loddon Waveney Valley neighbourhood had a higher proportion of homes owned outright (44.5% vs 32.5%) but a similar proportion with a mortgage (28.3% vs 28.8%). Its combined social renting rate (council and housing association) was 11.8%, which was lower than the national average of 17.1%. Private renting rate (Landlord/rent free/other) at 14.4% was higher than the England average of 20.6%.
Compared to other neighbourhoods, the Diss, Long Stratton, Loddon Waveney Valley neighbourhood has a higher proportion of homes owned outright or with a mortgage, a lower proportion of homes privately rented and a lower social renting rate.
Life expectancy in Diss, Long Stratton, Loddon Waveney Valley is higher than the England average and broadly consistent with Norfolk & Waveney.
Premature and preventable mortality is lower than average in the area, however there are more early deaths from cancer than expected in Diss & Roydon compared to the England average.
Life expectancy in Diss, Long Stratton, Loddon Waveney Valley is higher than the England average and broadly consistent with Norfolk & Waveney. There is moderate variation between local areas, alongside little variation in multiple deprivation.
The gap in life expectancy in South Norfolk is relatively small, as there is relatively little variation in deprivation between small areas. Nevertheless, inequalities persist. The leading causes of premature death - circulatory disease, respiratory conditions and cancer - are more prevalent in more deprived areas. Targeted prevention and improved access to care are essential to further reduce the life expectancy gap.
Healthy life expectancy in Diss, Long Stratton, Loddon Waveney Valley areas is among the highest in the Norfolk and Waveney area. Both females and males tend to enjoy longer-than-average lives in good health, although there is some variation between local areas within the neighbourhood. Within the Diss, Long Stratton, Loddon Waveney Valley neighbourhood area, female healthy life expectancy was lowest in Diss & Roydon and Hempnall, Ditchingham & Wortwell and highest in Trowse, Poringland & Stoke Holy Cross in 2021. Male healthy life expectancy was lowest in Diss & Roydon and highest in Thurlton, Haddiscoe & Geldeston in 2021.
There were 1,099 deaths of people under the age of 75 in Diss, Long Stratton, Loddon Waveney Valley in 2019 - 23. Overall, the rate of premature mortality was 21% lower than the England average.
Locally, the highest rate of premature mortality was in Diss & Roydon (Standardised Mortality Ratio = 101.2). The lowest rate was in Trowse, Poringland & Stoke Holy Cross. Five local areas (MSOAs) had a significantly lower premature mortality rate than the England average .
In 2019 - 23, 446 deaths of people under the age of 75 in Diss, Long Stratton, Loddon Waveney Valley were from causes considered preventable. Overall, there was a 31% lower rate of preventable mortality compared to the national average.
Locally, the highest rate of preventable mortality was in Diss & Roydon (Standardised Mortality Ratio = 87.7). The lowest rate was in Trowse, Poringland & Stoke Holy Cross. Five local areas (MSOAs) had a significantly lower preventable mortality rate than the England average .
Preventable behavioural risk factors have an important impact on ill health and constitute a major challenge for health and social care. Of concern are our rates of smoking, poor diet and exercise, and alcohol consumption.
Smoking prevalence and alcohol-related harm in the district are lower than the Norfolk and England averages, reflecting relatively healthier behaviours. However, obesity and physical inactivity remain concerns, particularly among older adults.
Outcomes for children are broadly similar to or better than the England average.
Rates of long-term conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and COPD are slightly below Norfolk averages, but the ageing population will increase demand for chronic disease management.
This chart shows the estimated number of patients with major long-term conditions within the South Norfolk Hip PCN. Diabetes affects around 6,100 adults, and chronic kidney disease affects 3,600 people.
Stroke and transient ischaemic attack affect approximately 2,100 people. These figures highlight a significant burden of metabolic and cardiovascular disease, reinforcing the need for integrated prevention and management strategies.
Diss, Long Stratton, Loddon Waveney Valley MSOAs tend to cluster toward the lower end of the scale for most hospital admission measures, indicating similar or slightly better outcomes compared to other areas within Norfolk and Waveney.
The Thurlton, Haddiscoe & Geldeston MSOA has among the lowest admission rates for falls, injuries and poisonings in older people in Norfolk and Waveney but has among the highest admission rates for injury & poisoning in children.