RCP calls for a cross government approach following IPPR report revealing poorest areas hit hardest by public health cuts.
A report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has revealed that towns and cities with high levels of deprivation — such as Blackpool, Liverpool and Birmingham — have faced a disproportionate burden of public health cuts despite having the greatest public health need.
Professor Carol Brayne, the Royal College of Physicians’ special advisor on health inequalities responds to the report below:
"This report provides us with yet further evidence of the extreme health inequalities that exist in the UK.
“The Royal College of Physicians has played a key role in highlighting the health impacts of air pollution, alcohol, obesity and tobacco. We now need the next government to a adopt a cross government approach to tackling health inequalities.
“But without a significant commitment of funds, those in the most deprived areas will likely continue to feel the impact of public health cuts.”
Notes to editors
The full IPPR report can be found here.