King's Fund Report Highlights Growing North-South Life Expectancy Gap in England
A recent report by the King's Fund has revealed a widening gap in life expectancy between the northern and southern regions of England. The report indicates that while life expectancy has reached an all-time high in 2025, with men and women living on average 80 and nearly 84 years respectively, these gains are predominantly seen in the southern regions. In contrast, the northern regions, including the north-west, north-east, Yorkshire and the Humber, West Midlands, and East Midlands, have experienced little to no improvement. The report attributes this disparity to higher incidences of illnesses such as heart disease and cancer, as well as suicides and deaths related to alcohol and drug misuse in the north. The Department of Health and Social Care has acknowledged the challenge and is repurposing £2.2 billion for critical resources in deprived areas. 
