The north-south life expectancy gap in England continues to expand even as national averages hit record highs. New data from the King’s Fund reveals that while overall life expectancy reached 80 years for men and nearly 84 for women in 2025, northern regions have seen little to no improvement over the past decade.
Record Highs Mask Deep Regional Disparities
Provisional figures show that life expectancy in London rose by nearly a year between 2013–15 and 2023–25, despite suffering the steepest decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. The south-east, south-west, and east of England also recorded notable gains. However, the five northern regions—the north-west, north-east, Yorkshire and the Humber, West Midlands, and East Midlands—experienced flat or declining trends.
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This growing divide means that people in London can now expect to live three years longer than those in the north-east. At the local level, the gap is even starker: men in Blackpool live 10 years less than men in Hart, Hampshire, while women face an eight-year difference.
Key Drivers of the Widening Gap
According to the King’s Fund, higher levels of deprivation in northern areas are linked to increased rates of heart disease, cancer, suicides, and alcohol- or drug-related deaths. “In the most deprived 30% of areas, life expectancy either fell or didn’t improve over the past decade,” said Veena Raleigh, a senior fellow at the charity. “Meanwhile, it went up by half a year in the least deprived 30%.”
Underlying Determinants of Health
Raleigh emphasised that simply fixing the NHS is not enough. “It requires a cross-government drive to address wider determinants such as secure jobs, fair pay, adequate housing, clean air, accessible transport, and affordable living.” Without these structural changes, the north-south health divide is likely to persist.
Comparison of Life Expectancy by Region (2023–25)
| Region | Male Life Expectancy | Female Life Expectancy |
|---|---|---|
| London | 81.2 years | 85.0 years |
| South East | 80.8 years | 84.6 years |
| North East | 78.0 years | 82.1 years |
| North West | 78.3 years | 82.4 years |
| Yorkshire & Humber | 78.5 years | 82.6 years |
| West Midlands | 78.8 years | 82.9 years |
| East Midlands | 79.0 years | 83.0 years |
Key Takeaways
- The north-south life expectancy gap widened over the past decade despite record national averages.
- London gained nearly a full year in life expectancy; northern regions saw no significant improvement.
- Deprivation is a major factor, with the poorest areas experiencing stagnant or declining lifespans.
- Addressing the gap requires action beyond healthcare, including housing, employment, and environmental policies.
FAQ
Why is the north-south life expectancy gap growing?
The gap is widening because southern regions have experienced steady improvements in life expectancy while northern regions have stagnated, largely due to higher levels of deprivation and associated health risks such as heart disease, cancer, and substance misuse.
What is the current life expectancy in England?
As of 2023–25, the average life expectancy is 80 years for men and nearly 84 years for women, marking an all-time high. However, these figures mask significant regional variation.
How can the life expectancy gap be reduced?
Experts recommend a cross-government strategy that tackles the root causes of poor health, including improving job security, income, housing, air quality, and transport in deprived areas, rather than focusing solely on healthcare.
Stay informed about the latest health trends and disparities by exploring our articles on aging and longevity. Understanding these regional differences can help you make better decisions for your own well-being.
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