The CMO Annual Report entitled ‘Health in Cities’ looks at London separated from the rest of the cities in England in section 3.5 (page 105 to 129).
Some context:
- 15% of the population of England live in London
- 41% of London’s population were born outside of the UK (UK average is 16%)
- Tower Hamlets saw 22% population increase between 2011 and 2022 census, more than any other borough, Barking & Dagenham was next at 18%
- After housing costs are taken into account: 24% of Londoners were living in relative poverty in 2020/21- 2022/23, compared to the UK rate of 22%
…life expectancy at birth in London has been consistently higher than the England average. However, these averages mask persistent and significant inequalities both between and within London boroughs. While a boy born in Barking and Dagenham can expect to enjoy 58.1 years in good health, in Richmond-upon-Thames that figure rises to 70.2 years. Deprivation drives many of the inequalities we see in London.
The report goes on to say:
- London, a global metropolis characterised by rapid change and socioeconomic disparities, presents a complex challenge for public health.
- Despite these challenges, London can harness huge opportunity and possesses the potential to become a global exemplar of urban health.
- A collaborative approach involving local and regional government, the NHS, academia, businesses and communities is essential to achieve this vision.
- Prioritising health equity is paramount…
- …the city must continue its focus on investment in prevention, addressing the underlying determinants of health, improving access to and uptake of quality healthcare and creating supportive environments that promote physical and mental wellbeing.