Health Foundation response to ONS life expectancy figures

In response to the release of ONS life expectancy figures, David Finch, Assistant Director at the Health Foundation, said:

‘Today's release serves as a reminder of the UK's long-term life expectancy challenge. A fall in life expectancy by 38 weeks for males and 23 weeks for females between 2020–22 and 2017–19 reflects higher than average mortality due to COVID-19. The release also highlights the historically weak improvement in life expectancy pre-pandemic. While high COVID-19 mortality rates are behind us, the main question is now the pace of future improvement and whether the unacceptable gap in life expectancy between richest and poorest areas can be closed.

The current and incoming governments face an uphill challenge in improving UK citizens' health – and life expectancy. Good health and well-being are the UK's most precious assets – they enable people to achieve their potential, fuel the economy and help build a stronger society. However, the weak income growth, pressure on diminished public services, and strain on the NHS offer a bleak picture of future life expectancy. Improving health needs long-term cross-government action – across the building blocks of health, such as good-quality jobs and housing, as well as wider public services.'

Media Contact

Billie Morgan – Health Foundation
billie.morgan@health.org.uk