Thirteen local authorities are set to benefit from a £50m investment aimed at boosting research into tackling health inequalities.

The investment, overseen by the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR), will enable the chosen councils to set up Health Determinants Research Collaborations (HDRCs) between with experts and academics to address knowledge gaps in local areas.

These collaborations will enable new research into the local health challenges, such as childhood obesity, COVID recovery, mental wellbeing and drug use.

Minister of state for health, Robert Jenrick, said: ‘The pandemic shone a light on the stark health inequalities that exist across the country – we are committed to levelling up the health of the nation.

‘This funding will drive progress to address health challenges locally, particularly in the places and communities most affected by ill health such as high levels of obesity, drug use and poor mental health.

‘Everyone should be able to live long, healthy lives regardless of their background and where they live, and this new research will help us deliver on our ambition.’

Professor Jim McManus, president of the UK Association of Directors of Public Health, said: ‘We know that health inequalities are one of the major barriers facing communities the length and breadth of the country, especially for disadvantaged groups and areas.

‘HDRCs will help drive the research culture within local government, building on the local knowledge that authorities already have and enable what is being done to be more readily researched and evaluated to make a difference to local people.’