A new report published today by the Institute of Health Equity at University College London, led by Sir Michael Marmot, finds that more than one million people in England have died prematurely in the decade following 2011 due to a combination of factors including poverty, austerity measures, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The research exposes the alarming consequences of economic and social disparities, indicating a direct link between inequality and early mortality from diseases such as cancer and heart problems.
Key Findings
- Between 2011 and 2019, 1,062,334 premature deaths were recorded among individuals living outside the wealthiest 10% of areas in England.
- An additional 151,615 premature deaths were reported in 2020, with the pandemic contributing to a higher-than-expected number.
- The report attributed 148,000 deaths directly to austerity measures implemented by the coalition government from 2010, comparing them with pre-existing levels.
Sir Michael Marmot, known for his 2010 review on health inequalities, has described the findings as a “dismal state of affairs” and has urged political leaders to address the widening disparities in health outcomes associated with poverty, poor housing, and unemployment. Marmot emphasised that the UK’s health inequalities involve the majority of society and called the situation a “shocking political failure.”
Background
Previous government policies implemented between 1997 and 2010, which focused on early years and education, had shown signs of reducing health inequalities. However, the introduction of austerity measures in 2010 reversed this trend, leading to a resurgence of health disparities.
Much of the action taken on inequality came from the English health inequalities strategy, a cross-government plan. Studies have found that this particular strategy was associated with a decline in geographical inequalities regarding disparities in life expectancy, which reversed a previously increasing trend.
The 2020 report, titled “Health Equity in England: the Marmot Review 10 Years On,” highlighted that improvements to life expectancy stalled, and in some cases declined, especially in the most deprived areas.
Analysis by Cancer Research UK suggests that 33,000 extra cases of cancer in the UK each year are associated with deprivation.
Impact of Covid-19
During the pandemic, inequality between the least and most disadvantaged areas contributed to an additional 28,000 excess deaths compared to the previous five years.
People from black and Asian backgrounds were at a higher risk of dying from the virus than their white counterparts.
International Comparison
The report also indicates a decline in “healthy life years” in the UK compared to countries in the European Union, with the UK falling behind in this measure over recent years.
The Race Equality Foundation view is that the UK urgently needs to build a fairer society where everyone lives well for longer. Where you are born, and the circumstances you are born into, should not decide how long and how well you live. We need to move beyond talking about health inequality and really start tackling the social determinants of health. An increasingly unhealthy society is leading to appalling consequences for too many people.
