The Health Foundation and the Institute for Health Equity have launched their report Health Equity in England: The Marmot Review 10 Years On, showing that health inequalities are increasing. Culture remains largely absent from its the recommendations, although the report
- highlights cuts to cultural spend in councils
- calls for the DCMS to participate in cross-governmental action
- highlights the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act in Wales as a case study, which includes "A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh Language" as a central component.
The Health Foundation draws out the following key points:
- there has been a decrease in the proportion of our lives that we can expect to live in good health
- improvements to life expectancy have stalled, and declined for the poorest 10% of women
- the health gap has grown between wealthy and deprived areas
- place matters – living in a deprived area of the North East is worse for your health than living in a similarly deprived area in London, to the extent that life expectancy is nearly five years less.
And the report includes has the following summary recommendations for taking action:
Develop a national strategy for action on the social determinants of health with the aim of reducing inequalities in health.
Ensure proportionate universal allocation of resources and implementation of policies.
Early intervention to prevent health inequalities.
Develop the social determinants of health workforce.
Engage the public.
Develop whole systems monitoring and strengthen accountability for health inequalities.