England’s north-south life expectancy gap grows despite record longevity
A King's Fund report reveals that while England's overall life expectancy reached a record high in 2025, gains were almost exclusively in the south, widening the north-south gap. People in northern regions, particularly the most deprived areas, experienced little to no improvement and face higher rates of illness, suicides, and substance-related deaths.
The half of England’s population who live in five northern regions have experienced little or no rise in life expectancy. Photograph: John Stillwell/PA The half of England’s population who live in five northern regions have experienced little or no rise in life expectancy. Photograph: John Stillwell/PA Health England’s north-south life expectancy gap grows despite record longevity King’s Fund report finds men and women live, on average, for 80 years and nearly 84 years, but gains are in south
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