People in Luton are living shorter lives than they should

Luton People living in Luton are dying around eight years before they should from preventable illnesses according to the latest Marmot Review from the UCL Institute of Health Equity (IHE). Reducing Health Inequalities in Luton : A Marmot Town, is published today (Wednesday 7 September, 2022) and emphasises how ill health starts in childhood and tracks throughout life, placing tens of thousands of people in preventable ill health and poverty. While Luton has many strategies for reducing inequalities and improving health for poorer children in schools, it is anticipated that the severe situation this winter will damage health and widen health inequalities. In the years 2017-19, before the COVID-19 pandemic, life expectancy at birth in Luton was, on average, more than one year less than the England average for men (79), and about eight months less for women (83). Latest ONS data shows there's also wide differences in life expectancy within the town itself*. Those who live in the more deprived areas like Challney, central Luton & Park Town are predicted to die around eight years before those in affluent areas such as Bramingham, Barnfield and Stopsley North. The IHE's Deputy Director, Dr Jessica Allen explained: "These stark differences in health and life expectancy begin in the early years of life.