A new report from the health think-tank The King's Fund reveals a significant disparity in life expectancy across England, with residents in several northern towns facing considerably shorter lifespans compared to those in the south.
Blackpool, a seaside town, has emerged as an area with one of the lowest life expectancies. Men in Blackpool can expect to live an average of 73.7 years, nearly a decade less than men in Hart, Hampshire. Women in Blackpool have a life expectancy of 79.1 years, which is also the lowest in England and well below the national average.
This stark North-South divide is further illustrated by the finding that Londoners, on average, live approximately three years longer than residents of the North East. While national life expectancy has seen increases, with men reaching around 80 and women nearly 84, these gains have been predominantly observed in southern regions. The report notes that northern areas have experienced minimal improvement.
Other towns in the north with particularly low male life expectancies include Kingston upon Hull and Middlesbrough, where men are expected to live to 75.5 years. Manchester follows at 75.6 years, and Lincoln at 75.9 years. Coastal towns and areas with higher levels of deprivation, such as Liverpool and Burnley, also appear on the list of those with the lowest life expectancies.
In contrast, affluent areas in the South, like Kensington and Chelsea, boast significantly higher life expectancies. Women in these areas can live to an average of 87.1 years, a stark contrast to the figures in Blackpool.
The report attributes some of these disparities to economic factors. London's strong economy, higher wages, and better job opportunities are seen as contributing to longer, healthier lives for its residents. Conversely, many northern communities are still grappling with the effects of industrial decline, leading to higher rates of poverty, unemployment, and poorer living conditions, which in turn affect health outcomes.
Veena Raleigh, a senior fellow at The King's Fund, described the lack of improvement in longevity in northern and deprived communities as "a mark of shame for an affluent country." She emphasized that addressing this health inequity is not only a matter of social justice but could also reduce pressure on the National Health Service and mitigate the economic costs of ill health.
Previous reports have also highlighted health challenges in areas like Blackpool. These have included high concentrations of fast-food establishments, elevated rates of drug and smoking-related deaths, and the highest proportions of alcohol-related deaths and serious mental health conditions in England.
Nationally, healthy life expectancy—the number of years individuals can expect to live in good health—has declined by approximately two and a half years. Affluent areas see residents living an average of six to seven years longer in good health than those in the most deprived regions.
The report suggests that improving population health and reducing entrenched health inequalities requires "concerted, bold, cross-governmental action." This includes tackling preventable illnesses linked to diet, alcohol, and smoking, as well as addressing the broader determinants of poor health, particularly in northern and deprived communities.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care stated that the government is committed to tackling these inequalities. Actions mentioned include fairer GP funding allocation and the development of neighborhood health centers in underserved areas. The department also indicated plans to devolve more power to local communities to drive change.
Life expectancy in Britain overall was found to be lower than in other comparable high-income countries, with the exception of Germany and the United States.