Our commitment to act – health inequalities framework
We have produced a document, called the health inequalities framework, that outlines how we will work with our partners in the city to improve the health of those with the worse health outcomes the fastest.
Health inequalities are unfair and unavoidable differences in health across the population, and between different groups. There’s lots of things that can lead to health inequalities such as where we are born, grow up, live, work and age. We have to consider other factors too as described below.
Things that can affect life expectancy
- The impact of those living in poorer (this is often referred to as deprived) areas, in low paid jobs or being unemployed. Our latest data shows that 224,000 people, 1 in 5 people, in Leeds live in the poorest communities. This can lead to a difference of up to 9 years in life expectancy
- People’s age, gender, race etc – we usually consider the nine protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010 – can lead to a difference in life expectancy. Leeds is also very diverse with many groups known to experience greater levels of health inequalities.
Things that can affect quality of life, with fewer healthy years of life
- People who belong to some of our most vulnerable communities such as those who are homeless, sex workers, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and new migrants
- The area of the city you live in such as an urban, inner city area or a more rural part of Leeds
All of the above can shape our physical and mental health and wellbeing. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought health inequalities to greater public attention.
We are determined to get this right and work with our partners and our local communities. Our health inequalities framework shows how we will do this.