England’s deprived areas show double premature death risk compared to wealthy regions
Analysis of census data and deaths from March 2021 to December 2023 reveals people in England's most deprived areas face more than twice the risk of early death.
Mortality rates vary by location
The Health Foundation conducted this research using demographic data from the 2021 census. Both men and women in the most deprived areas faced a risk 2.3 times higher than those in the least deprived areas. The rate for early death reached 815 deaths per 100,000 people in deprived zones versus 353 per 100,000 in affluent ones. Women without qualifications saw a premature mortality rate 2.5 times higher than women holding a degree or higher qualification.
Regional and ethnic disparities emerge
The most severe inequalities occurred in the north-east, north-west and Yorkshire and The Humber, whereas London showed the lowest rates. Females who never worked faced 796 deaths per 100,000 in the north-west compared to 462 per 100,000 in London. Black Caribbean men recorded the highest male rate at 573 deaths per 100,000 while Chinese men had the lowest at 284 per 100,000. White British and Black Caribbean women showed the highest female rates at 370 and 367 per 100,000 respectively.
Experts call for government action
Freya Tracey stated that where people live should not determine their risk of dying early. She argued a cross-government approach is needed to reduce inequalities in education and employment. Jabeer Butt from the Race Equality Foundation noted lower mortality in some groups does not mean racism is unimportant. He added that migration, poverty and discrimination interact to shape chances for a long healthy life.
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