The Institute for Public Policy Research North (IPPR) has released a study revealing a stark disparity in healthy life expectancy between the North and South of England, predicting that this divide will not significantly close until 2080. This comes amid calls from over 800 business, education, and political leaders for increased investment to address regional inequalities and support the North’s net-zero transition.
Deepening Divides in Health and Wealth
According to the IPPR report, by 2030, individuals in the North and Midlands can expect to live two and a half years less in good health compared to those in the South, and three and a half years less than Londoners. This gap in healthy life expectancy is a symptom of broader inequalities, with the report highlighting increasing wealth disparities across England. Despite England’s average wealth per person growing, the gap in wealth between the North and the national average has almost doubled since 2010.
Policy Proposals and Government Response
The IPPR calls for significant investment in the North, akin to “German-style levels,” suggesting a £7.6 billion annual investment over 15 years, potentially funded by a targeted wealth tax raising up to £13 billion a year. The report also advocates for reforms in local government finance to allow for more strategic, long-term planning. In response, a Government spokesperson emphasized the commitment to levelling up across the North, mentioning a £13 billion investment in regenerating town centres, improving local transport, and supporting cultural and heritage assets.
Looking Towards a Renewed North
As the North sets out its manifesto to boost the economy through a net-zero focus, aiming to create a million new jobs and increase the regional economy by £100bn by 2050, the IPPR’s findings shed light on the urgent need for targeted action to close the health and wealth gaps. This pivotal moment calls for a concerted effort from both the government and local communities to pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for the North of England.