Health inequalities are unfair and avoidable differences in health across the population, and between different groups within society. Learn about the causes, impacts and priority areas of healthcare inequalities in England, and how COVID-19 has highlighted them.
The Health Inequalities Theme Group, which brings together analysts from across the health system with an interest in health inequalities data and analysis under the UK Health Statistics Steering Group (UKHSSG), meets three times a year to share updates and generally further the production and use of health inequalities data. The
The impact of Covid-19 on health inequalities. Covid-19 has had an unequal impact on different population groups and has exacerbated existing health inequalities in England. Mortality rates from Covid-19 have been higher in more deprived areas than in less deprived areas. Up to March 2022, the Covid-19 mortality rate was 2.6 times higher for ...
Inequalities in mortality involving common physical health conditions, England: 21 March 2021 to 31 January 2023 What's in the bulletin? Age-standardised mortality rates (ASMRs) were higher among males than females for all-cause mortality and most individual conditions; however, females had higher rates of mortality involving asthma and dementia.
This tool has been developed to present evidence of health inequalities in England. Measures of inequality are provided for key indicators to monitor progress on reducing inequalities within England. For some indicators, inequality measures are also provided within regions, and upper tier local authorities.
The state of health inequalities in the UK, and how UKHSA aims to make health protection fair. From: UK Health Security Agency Published 2 May 2025. Get emails about this page. Documents
A 2009 analysis estimated that in addition to being costly to health services, health inequalities are estimated to cost the UK between £31 billion and £33 billion in lost productivity and ...
Evidence suggests that recent events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, have made health inequalities worse.The four UK nations have developed various strategies to tackle inequalities – for example, the Labour Government’s Manifesto recognises that the UK has stark health inequalities and, as part of its broader health mission, commits to tackling the social ...
The 10-year health plan must take every opportunity to align with the goals set out in the health mission and its strategy for tackling health inequalities. NHS England should ensure that outcomes and process measures around tackling health inequalities are embedded within integrated care boards’ (ICBs) performance management structures.
Health inequalities can be seen and measured through differences in: prevalence of conditions and mortality; behavioural risks to health such as smoking; the wider determinants of health such as housing and employment; access to care; the quality and experience of healthcare services. The impact of health inequalities was starkly exposed and ...
Introduction. Non-communicable illness is responsible for 88% of the burden of disease in England, with the majority falling most heavily on the poorest in society.The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted pervasive socioeconomic, ethnic and geographical health inequalities in our society.
HFMA 3Health inequalities data sources map Introduction . The HFMA has produced this map of health inequalities policy and data from across the four nations of the United Kingdom. It brings together key national guidance and data with useful resources to support NHS finance professionals.
Inequalities in mortality involving common physical health conditions, England: 21 March 2021 to 31 January 2023 Bulletin | Released 31 August 2023 Rates of mortality involving cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, dementia, diabetes, and respiratory diseases, by Census 2021 variables. Experimental Statistics.
For the first time we can compare life expectancy at a constituency level across the UK, showing MPs and voters the alarming scale of health inequalities. Our health is shaped by the world around us – from the money in our pockets, to quality homes that are warm and safe, stable jobs and neighbourhoods with green space and clean air.
Improving health and inequalities. Health inequalities and trends; Wider determinants of health; Risk factors; Cross-government approach to health; Local government and place; Business, work and health; Public health; Health and care policy. Health and care system performance; NHS and social care workforce; Funding and finances; NHS reform ...
Inequality in healthy life expectancy has not changed since 2011 to 2013 for either sex. This inequality in health begins early in life with wide inequalities in child health outcomes . In 2014 to ...
The experience of health inequality in the UK is some of the worst in Western Europe, with an average gap of 19 years in healthy life expectancy between the most and least deprived areas. The causes of these gaps are varied and complex, but there is little doubt that they are made worse by the experience of the kind of deep poverty that has ...
Everyone should have the opportunity to live healthy lives, with access to high-quality health and social care services. But there are stark differences in health and life expectancy – and in power, money and resources – between the most and least deprived areas in UK.
