New data has revealed stark regional differences in life expectancy, with people in Blackpool four times more likely to die before turning 60 than residents of Hart in Hampshire. The research, conducted by Health Equals, has prompted calls for government action to address the 'postcode lottery' and prevent avoidable deaths.
Regional disparities in premature death
Across the UK, one in 13 people die before reaching 60, according to the analysis. However, in Blackpool this figure rises to one in seven, while in Glasgow it is one in eight. Other areas with high rates include Merthyr Tydfil in Wales, Dundee, and Middlesbrough, where around one in eight people also die by 60.
The figures, based on mortality data from the Office for National Statistics for 2022 to 2024, show that in Blackpool, 14.7% of people die before 60, compared to just 4% in Hart, Hampshire. Other areas with low rates include Uttlesford (4.4%), Surrey Heath (4.5%), and Richmond upon Thames (4.5%).
Political and expert responses
Labour MP Allison Gardner, whose constituency of Stoke-on-Trent has a one in 10 rate of deaths by 60, called on her party to act on health inequalities. She told Metro: 'No one should face poorer health and a shorter life simply because of where they live.'
Paul McDonald, Director at Health Equals, said: 'Your postcode shouldn't determine your shelf life. But in the UK, it does. Behind every statistic is a person, a family and a community experiencing loss that is often preventable. We should not accept a country where your chances of reaching 60 are so heavily influenced by where you live.'
Government commitment
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'Someone's postcode should never dictate how long they live, and this government is determined to tackle the stark inequalities that still exist in our country, and halving the gap in healthy life expectancy between the richest and poorest regions.'
The spokesperson added that the government is already taking action, including delivering new Neighbourhood Health Centres in areas that need them most, and plans to devolve more power to local communities.
