Analysis of the Socioeconomic Status of Ukrainian Regions: Income, Deprivation and Social Support

According to the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, the article analyzes the real state in the regions according to certain indicators of their development, which characterizes the quality of life of the population. The results of a survey of households that participated in a sample survey of living conditions in terms of income and consumer opportunities are analyzed. It has been established that incomes of the population are growing, but their level remains very low in comparison with other countries, which negatively affects the quality of life of the population. The results of the survey, on the grounds of poverty, testified to the relevance of each component of the designated list of restrictions as priorities for the formation of public opinion about poverty, since almost all respondents perceived these signs as a manifestation of the process of restriction. In general, in Ukraine, 42.1% of people suffer from three signs of material deprivation out of 9 signs, and 27% – from four. The differentiation of the percentage of persons who suffer from 3 and 4 signs of deprivation, by region, is very significant. The smallest value of these indicators is traditionally in Kyiv and the largest is in the Zakarpattia region. It was found that factors affecting the entire population, even those who are members of dozens of decile groups in terms of per capita total monthly income, should have the highest incomes. In Ukraine, of course, there is social support for the sensitive segments of the population, but it is not effective, as evidenced by the results of the survey. That is, in the country, it is important not only to increase the income of the population but also to comply with the quality of life and improve the system of social support. A possible solution to these problems may be a transition to real decentralization, that is, state-guaranteed rights to territorial communities and their elected bodies to independently decide, under their own responsibility, some issues of territorial and local importance, among which there may be regional socioeconomic programs to support the population.