Watford is the most ethnically diverse borough in Hertfordshire with over 50 per cent of residents from minority backgrounds, according to a council report.
By contrast, the authority also has the second-lowest number of registered disabled residents, after Three Rivers.
Herts County Council’s equality impact assessment report was unveiled during a meeting of adult care, health and wellbeing cabinet on Friday, October 11. The report cited 2021 census data, which showed 71.8 per cent of Hertfordshire’s overall population is white British, with 28.2 per cent of the population from other communities.
But there were wide differences of demographics among the boroughs, with 54.2 per cent of Watford’s population from minority ethnic background, and 19 per cent whose main language is not English.
At the other end of the scale, East Hertfordshire has the least diversity, with 15.3 per cent from minority backgrounds, and just five per cent of people who did not speak English as a first language.
Percentage of minority ethnic groups
⦁ Watford – 54.2 per cent
⦁ Hertsmere – 36.9 per cent
⦁ Welwyn Hatfield – 32.8 per cent
⦁ Three Rivers – 32.1 per cent
⦁ Broxbourne – 31.4 per cent
⦁ St Albans – 26.5 per cent
⦁ Stevenage – 24.7 per cent
⦁ Dacorum – 21.3 per cent
⦁ North Hertfordshire – 18.7 per cent
⦁ East Hertfordshire – 15.3 per cent
Main language is not English
⦁ Watford – 19 per cent
⦁ Hertsmere – 10 per cent
⦁ Welwyn Hatfield – 11 per cent
⦁ Broxbourne – 9 per cent
⦁ Three Rivers – 8 per cent
⦁ Stevenage – 8 per cent
⦁ St Albans – 6 per cent
⦁ Dacorum – 6 per cent
⦁ East Hertfordshire – 5 per cent
⦁ North Hertfordshire – 4 per cent
The report states: “It is estimated that there are currently 204,300 people age 65 and over in Hertfordshire and this number is expected to increase to over 287,000, an increase of 38 per cent, by 2040.
“2021 census data shows that 71.8 per cent of the Hertfordshire population is White British with 28.2 per cent of the population from communities other than White British. Proportions of ethnic groups varies considerably between districts demonstrating the diversity of communities across different areas of the county. This shows a much higher population from a non-White British communities in Watford, Hertsmere and Broxbourne for example, compared to other districts such as East Herts and Stevenage.
“The main language of 92 per cent of the Hertfordshire population is English. Of those whose main language is not English, 1-2 per cent across the different districts report as ‘cannot speak English well or at all’.
“A total of 172,675 people are reported as disabled under the Equality Act: 38 per cent (66,460) reported their day-to-day activities were limited a lot, and 62 per cent (106,215) reported their day-to-day activities were limited a little.”
Stewart Carr is a Local Democracy Reporter covering stories from across Hertfordshire, including politics, policing, transport, housing, planning and major local developments. His reporting focuses on the decisions and issues shaping communities across the county, from council meetings and regeneration projects to public services and accountability.
