Premature death rates are twice as high in Blackpool as affluent South
MORE people die earlier in poor areas of the North West than in southern rich spots, a study found.
Blackpool is the worst town for premature deaths, with the figure twice as high as Wokingham, Berkshire – one of the country’s most affluent places.
The North-South divide was also evident in deprived areas, with more people dying earlier in the poorer parts of Liverpool and Manchester than Blackpool has most early deaths similar spots in Birmingham and London. The grim figures come after years of Tory health cuts that have axed obesity programmes, drug and alcohol, and sexual health services.
The study by Global Burden of Disease Local authority areas, by most deprived score, and years of life lost, rate per 100,000 people, where premature death due to deprivation-linked illness Local authority areas, by least deprived score, and years of life lost, rate per 100,000 people, where premature death due to deprivation-linked illness initiative reveals half of all premature deaths in the UK are linked to risks such as smoking, diet, alcohol and drug use, obesity and high blood pressure.
Public Health England’s Professor John Newton said: “This highlights the stark division between rich and poor areas, which sees poorer people dying earlier.
“It also shows the improvements to health that could be achieved by addressing underlying causes.”
Labour’s Jonathan Ashworth added: “This shows just how misguided, savage and shameful cuts to public health are.”
The Department of Health and Social Care said: “We are giving £16billion to councils to fund public health services.”