We’re exploring the impact of austerity on life expectancy, population health and health inequalities across the UK. Since the early 2010s life expectancy stopped improving in the UK; in fact, for those living in the more disadvantaged areas, it actually declined. This means people have been dying younger and in larger numbers year on year.

Dr David Walsh and Professor Gerry McCartney, both from the University of Glasgow, have been working in the population health space for a long time and have published a book setting out the evidence on how austerity policies have impacted health inequalities.

Our regular host Kez Dugdale is joined by Centre for Public Policy colleague Dr Claire MacRae to discuss the findings.

You can now purchase the book ‘Social Murder? Austerity and life expectancy in the UK’, with all proceeds going to NHS charities: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/social-murder

First published: 6 February 2025

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