Statement from Executive Director Hannah Davies following the announcement of the new Labour government

“The North of England experiences stark inequalities in terms of health, child poverty, job opportunities and the economy in comparison to the rest of the country.  

“Health inequalities are increasing, adversely affecting physical and mental health while also contributing to declining productivity.  Our research shows that elevating the North’s health to match the rest of the country could inject £13.2 billion into the economy.  

“The new government brings many opportunities to eradicate these historical inequities, and as an institute focused on place-based solutions to public health problems and health inequalities, we ask the new Government to: 

• Create a national strategy to reduce health inequalities 

• Tackle poverty through evidence-based policies 

• Give children in the North enough food of good quality 

• Give people warm homes of a good standard 

• Support communities and families to access health and social care easily 

• Fund schools in the North of England fairly 

• Give people in communities that are not often consulted a voice 

“The Labour Party have pledged in their manifesto to break down barriers to opportunity for every child. Health Equity North looks forward to working with Labour and continuing to work with communities, academics, researchers and equality champions to ensure we can support the government in their promise.”