Rising health inequalities due to pandemic

Some of Britain’s poorest communities are facing a double whammy of health and financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and the responses to it.

The Health Foundation has warned that, unless action is taken, the health inequalities that exist between the richest and poorest communities across the UK will widen.

An inquiry launched by the health charity brings together a range of experts to shine a light on the different ways the pandemic, and the national response to it, are affecting the health of the nation. It is hoped that the findings will guide the action needed as the country recovers, to ensure everyone has the opportunity to lead long and healthy lives.

According to the Health Foundation, of the 10 local areas in Great Britain with the highest death rates from coronavirus, half of them are from the poorest 30 per cent of local authorities. Additionally, the share of the working age population receiving Universal Credit increased by eight per cent in the poorest areas between March and August, compared with a five per cent increase in the wealthiest.

This means communities such as Barnsley, Wolverhampton and Newham – where people already face shorter lives lived in poorer health – are experiencing a disproportionate coronavirus burden as well as intensive financial hardship.

Clare Moriarty, chair of the Covid-19 impact inquiry, commented: “It is not just the virus that has affected people’s health but also measures introduced in response. People have lost jobs and income, seen medical treatment cancelled and been asked to stay indoors for weeks on end. Children and young people have missed out on their education and opportunities to build social lives. Across the country, people's health and mental well-being has been affected and, as this research shows, the pandemic is intensifying and amplifying existing health inequalities.

“The Covid-19 impact inquiry aims to join up all these different issues to build a bigger picture of the impact the pandemic has had on our communities across the UK. We believe the findings will provide government with a solid evidence base to inform their recovery policies and tackle these very big issues of inequality to ensure that everyone’s health and well-being is protected in the long term.”

Jo Bibby, director of Health, the Health Foundation, said: “The pandemic has reminded us how highly we value our health. Rightly so, as a healthy population is one of our society’s most important assets. It should concern us all that the consequences of the pandemic are falling unevenly. Our inquiry will place those groups who were most affected at the heart of our analysis to ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to developing national recovery policies.”