Laura Sharman 13 January 2022

Improving health of 'left behind' neighbourhoods could boost economy by £30bn, report finds

Improving health of left behind neighbourhoods could boost economy by £30bn, report finds image

People living in England's most deprived neighbourhoods have among the worst health outcomes, a new report has revealed.

The report, published by the All-Parliamentary Party Group for ‘left behind’ neighbourhoods and Northern Health Science Alliance, shows people living in these areas work longer hours than the rest of the country but live shorter lives with more years in ill health.

The research shows that people living in local authorities that contain ‘left behind’ neighbourhoods were 46% more likely to die from COVID-19 and live 7.5 fewer years in good health compared to those in the rest of England.

It found that tackling the health inequalities in these local authority areas could add an extra £29.8bn to the country’s economy each year.

Dr Luke Munford, lecturer in health economics at the University of Manchester and lead author of the report, said: 'We have long known that the health of people living in these ‘left behind’ neighbourhoods is worse than the national average.

'We have shown here that if we can improve their health, there is considerable economic and social gains to be made, which will not only improve the quality of life of these people but also considerably boost the national economy.'

The report calls for a national ‘levelling up’ strategy to reduce health inequalities, an increase in NHS funding in more deprived local areas and funding for health initiatives which increase the level of control local people have over their life circumstances.

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Regeneration

Redbridge London Borough Council
£96,861 - £100,671
Right now, we’re in the midst of ambitious regeneration plans that will transform our borough for generations to come Redbridge, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Redbridge London Borough Council

Head of Leisure & Culture

Redbridge London Borough Council
£96,861 - £100,671
Our borough’s Leisure and Culture provision is integral to making Redbridge a great place to live Redbridge, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Redbridge London Borough Council

Head of Leader’s Office

Redbridge London Borough Council
£59,739 - £63,159
This role will see you working at the very centre of the Council’s work Redbridge, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Redbridge London Borough Council

Head of Operational Services

South Derbyshire District Council
£73,051 to £75,342
Ready to shape the future of a thriving district? Derbyshire
Recuriter: South Derbyshire District Council

Director of Family Help and Safeguarding

Reading Borough Council
£105,836 - £121,235
Lead Transformational and Improvement Change for Children’s Services Reading, Berkshire
Recuriter: Reading Borough Council
Linkedin Banner