Life expectancy gap growing in York - report

A City of York Council report said health trends were heading in the "wrong direction"

People living in the most affluent parts of York live an average of 11 years longer than those in the poorest, according to a council report.

Women in the Westfield ward can expect to live to around 80 on average and men to about 76, it said, compared to roughly 92 and 87 respectively in Copmanthorpe.

City of York Council's report said trends were heading in the "wrong direction", with a rise in poverty, unemployment, overcrowded homes, obesity and substance misuse in more deprived areas.

It comes as the council's Health and Wellbeing Board heard updates on work to try and reduce inequalities between the richest and poorest areas in the city by 2032.

Peter Roderick, council public health director, said the number of years people were spending living in ill health across York had recently increased.

The report states men in York could expect to live in ill health for an additional 2.4 years compared to figures a decade ago, with an additional 3.6 years for women.

Roderick said efforts to try and reverse health trends included brain health cafés, welfare advice and supervised teeth brushing in schools.

But the board meeting heard government plans to cut disability benefits could make problems worse, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Flick Williams, a disability rights campaigner, told the meeting: "It's strikingly clear that the government's proposed cuts to social security are taking us in the wrong direction.

"How are council services preparing for the tsunami of need coming your way?"

Ministers said the measures aim to stop a spiralling welfare bill and the reforms will introduce greater protections for those unable to work while supporting those who can.

Labour councillor Lucy Steels-Walshaw, the council's health spokesperson, said they were committed to supporting those in need including those affected by the government's proposals.

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