Thinktank: Restoring UK health to 2014 levels could boost GDP by 2%
9 reported
A new paper from the Health Foundation thinktank argues that restoring the health of the UK population to 2014 levels could increase economic output by £57 billion, or 2% of GDP, and generate a £72 billion dividend for public finances. The report, published on Sunday, states that healthy life expectancy fell by two years in the decade to 2022-24, with the UK being one of only five of the world’s 21 richest countries to see a decline. Over the same period, the number of working-age people with a long-term health condition rose from 11.7 million to 15.7 million. The thinktank also highlights stark inequalities, noting that people in the richest 10% of areas can expect up to 20 more years of good health compared to the poorest 10%. The authors argue that treating health as an economic asset could shift policymakers’ focus toward prevention and public health measures. The report echoes a recent warning from the Resolution Foundation that poor health has been a major factor driving the UK’s public finances.
What’s reported
Restoring UK population health to 2014 levels could increase economic output by £57 billion, or 2% of GDP.
The Health Foundation paper says this could generate a £72 billion dividend for public finances.
Healthy life expectancy fell by two years in the decade to 2022-24.
The UK was one of only five of the world’s 21 richest countries to see a deterioration in healthy life expectancy.
The number of working-age people with a long-term health condition increased from 11.7 million to 15.7 million over the same period.
People in the richest 10% of areas can expect up to 20 more years of good health than those in the poorest 10%.
David Finch is the interim director of health and inequalities at the Health Foundation.
The incoming prime minister, Andy Burnham, is set to receive two reports in the autumn: from Alan Milburn on young people not in education, employment or training, and from Stephen Timms on disability benefits reform.
The Resolution Foundation noted that health-related spending now accounts for £1 in every £4 of government spending, aside from debt interest costs.
Key figures
David Finch, interim director of health and inequalities at the Health Foundation
Andy Burnham, incoming prime minister
Alan Milburn, author of a report on young people not in education, employment or training
Stephen Timms, author of a report on disability benefits reform
Baroness Louise Casey, examining social care (commission due to report by 2028)
Rachel Reeves, referenced in relation to budgets
Sources: The Guardian
