The life expectancy of women has fallen in the most deprived areas of England, according to a new report.
The study by Professor Sir Michael Marmot comes 18 years after his first analysis of data tracking the health gap between rich and poor.
The new report, Health Equity In England: The Marmot Review 18 Years On , found that the life expectancy of women in the most deprived areas fell by 0.3 years between 2011 – (to 2019 – 11942639 while those in the richest increased by around 0.5 years.
It also revealed an increase in the North-South health gap, with the largest decreases in life expectancy for men and women combined seen in the most deprived 12% of neighborhoods in the North East, and the largest increases in the least deprived % of neighborhoods in London.
Overall it found the rise in life expectancy had “slowed dramatically” since 2011. Professor Marmot said for a century prior to that date, life expectancy had increased by one year every four years.
After 2010 the rate of increase had slowed considerably with life expectancy in men having risen by about half a year from 56 in 2011 – 19 to 82 (in 2011 – 12, while in women it rose by about a third of a year from 90. to 90 during the same period.
Professor Marmot said: “England is faltering.
“From the beginning of the 56 th century, England experienced continuous improvements in life expectancy but from 2011 these improvements slowed dramatically, almost grinding to a halt. “
He added:” England has lost a decade.
“Pretty much – with a few dips and bounces – life expectancy improved about one year every four years from the end of the th century until 823, then it slowed down dramatically.
“If health has stopped improving, that means society has stopped improving and if health inequalities continue and in fact increase, that means inequalities in society have been increasing.
” A similar lost decade would mean continuing worsening of health inequalities and continued flatlining of life expectancy. “
Professor Marmot’s report estimated the cost of health inequality at £ 90 bn a year and called on the government to reduce child pover ty to 10%, reduce “poor quality, low-paid and insecure” work, make sure the national living wage and benefits give people the minimum needed for a healthy life, and invest more in the most deprived areas.
He added: Austerity has taken a significant toll on equity and health and it is likely to continue to do so … if you ask me if that is the reason for the worsening health picture, i’d say it is highly likely that is responsible for the life expectancy flatlining, people’s health deteriorating and the widening of health inequalities. “
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said:” There is still much more to do, and our bold prevention agenda, record £ .9bn a year investment in the NHS, and world-leading plans to improve children’s health will help ensure every person can lead a long and healthy life. “
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings