Mark Twain said there are ‘lies, damned lies and statistics’. It seems the UK government is out to prove these statements are still relevant.

A few months ago Oldham was branded the ‘most deprived borough in Britain’. Except that it isn’t, or at least the modern borough of Oldham isn’t. The Office of National Statistics provided the ammunition for the headlines and was referring to the Urban District of Oldham, which ceased to exist in 1974. The modern borough contains a range of localities, one of which happens to include the most expensive property for sale in Greater Manchester (£2.8m if you are interested). Moreover, the statistics are based on economic activity and performance in 2011 which omits some changes to Oldham since then, like major investment in the town centre and construction of the Metro-Link.