Number of socially excluded neighbourhoods in Czechia increases

The number of socially marginalised areas in Czechia increased last year compared to the year before, the Czech News Agency reports. According to the latest social exclusion index compiled by the Agency for Social Inclusion, the number has increased from 175 to 191. The director of the agency, Martin Šimáček, said that this was expected given the consequences of covid, high inflation and rising energy costs.

The Agency for Social Inclusion has compiled this index annually since 2016. It is based on a number of factors, such as the proportion of people living in the area who are on benefits, not employed or studying, or whose house or apartment is in foreclosure.