Ellie Ames 08 January 2024

A million lives ‘cut short’ by inequality

A million lives ‘cut short’ by inequality image
Image: Gorodenkoff / Shutterstock.com

A million people in England had their lives cut short because of health inequality between 2011 and 2019, research has found.

The UCL Institute of Health Equity (IHE) found that a million people in England would have lived longer if they had experienced the same death rates as in the 10% of wealthiest areas in the country.

The institute said it had previously found that pre-2010 government policies were beginning to close the gap in health equality, but said funding cuts associated with austerity meant inequality has since widened, with life expectancy failing to increase.

IHE director Professor Michael Marmot said the UK was a ‘case study example of what not to do’ to tackle health inequality.

He said: ‘Our country has become poor and unhealthy, where a few rich, healthy people live. People care about their health, but it is deteriorating, with their lives shortening, through no fault of their own.

‘Political leaders can choose to prioritise everyone’s health, or not. Currently they are not.

‘Important as is the NHS – publicly funded and free at the point of use – action is needed on the social determinants of health: the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner