England’s north-south life expectancy gap grows despite record longevity
A King's Fund report reveals that while England's overall life expectancy reached a record high in 2025, gains were almost exclusively in the south, widening the north-south gap. People in northern regions, particularly the most deprived areas, experienced little to no improvement and face higher rates of illness, suicides, and substance-related deaths.
Why it matters
This growing disparity in life expectancy highlights significant health inequalities and socio-economic divides within England, indicating a failure to address regional deprivation and its impact on public health.
The half of England’s population who live in five northern regions have experienced little or no rise in life expectancy. Photograph: John Stillwell/PA The half of England’s population who live in five northern regions have experienced little or no rise in life expectancy. Photograph: John Stillwell/PA Health England’s north-south life expectancy gap grows despite record longevity King’s Fund report finds men and women live, on average, for 80 years and nearly 84 years, but gains are in south
Prefer the Guardian on Google The north-south divide in life expectancy in England has grown over the past decade, with people in northern regions facing more illnesses such as heart disease and cancer, but also suicides and deaths related to alcohol and drug misuse.
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