People in northern England far more unhealthy than those in south, new national ‘health index’ shows

People in northern England are far more likely to live unhealthy lives when compared to those who live in the south, the first official national ‘health index’ has shown.
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In the study, which has been compiled by the Office for National Statistics and financial services company Lane Clark & Peacock, the top ten healthiest places are all in the south east apart from Rutland, which is in the east midlands.

The unhealthiest places on the other hand are mostly in the north west and north east, with just two - Stoke-on-Trent and Nottingham - in the midlands.

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Across the country, Blackpool is the most unhealthy place in England while Wokingham in Berkshire came out as the healthiest.

People in northern England are far more likely to live unhealthy lives than those in the south (Photo: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire).People in northern England are far more likely to live unhealthy lives than those in the south (Photo: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire).
People in northern England are far more likely to live unhealthy lives than those in the south (Photo: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire).

In South Yorkshire, Doncaster is the most unhealthy place, followed by Rotherham, Barnsley and then Sheffield.

Doncaster is actually the seventh most unhealthy place in England according to the study, while Rotherham is the 29th most unhealthy and Barnsley the 38th most unhealthy.

All three are in the bottom third of the 149 areas in the study, while Sheffield - as the 67th healthiest place in England - is the only South Yorkshire area in the top half of the distribution.

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In terms of the healthiest places, as well as Wokingham, the Greater London area of Richmond-upon-Thames comes second in the list followed by Windsor and Maidenhead, West Berkshire and Surrey.

Other areas in the top ten most unhealthy places as well as Blackpool and Doncaster include Hull, Stoke, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool.

The analysis throws into high relief the scale of the much-vaunted ‘levelling up’ agenda Boris Johnson’s Government has set itself.

The plan would see ‘left behind’ parts of the north brought in line with more affluent areas in the south by boosting economic performance in the more deprived areas.

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In a speech delivered last year in Dudley, Mr Johnson said ‘too many parts of this country have felt left behind’ and that it was his ‘mission to unite and to level up’ the UK.

This will be no easy task, however, particularly after the Covid-19 crisis which may have exacerbated already stark inequalities between the northern and the south still further.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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