London Mayor Ken Livingstone has launched a consultation exercise on how he should fulfill the proposed new duty to tackle health inequalities which is contained in the Greater London Authority Bill currently before Parliament.
The start of the consultation coincides with the publication of a new report setting out the Mayor’s priorities for action to tackle the problem. This report is based on an extensive review of published evidence and submissions from nearly 100 community and voluntary sector organisations across the capital.
The capital suffers from “marked” variations in life expectancy between boroughs of almost seven years between those with the highest and lowest life expectancies.
Speaking at a City Hall seminar with community activists and health professionals the Mayor said he believed “it is essential for us to take a long-term, strategic view if we are to make a real difference to health outcomes for Londoners.”
“London is a city with a huge amount to offer both individuals and communities – but we all know that some have better access to the opportunities and services that promote well-being than others. I am working with partners to make sure London is a place where all communities can contribute to and benefit from our city’s success.”
Reducing Health Inequalities – Issues for London and Priorities for Action is available on the GLA website: www.london.gov.uk/mayor/health/strategy
