More action needed from the Mayor on health inequalities

London continues to suffer from an acute case of widespread health inequalities.

The Mayor of London has a duty to produce a Health Inequalities Strategy that seriously tackles and aims to reduce those inequalities.

The London Assembly Health Committee supports the aims set out in the Mayor’s draft plans but says clearer targets and timelines for action are needed.

In a response to the Mayor’s consultation, the Committee calls for the final Health Inequalities Strategy to:

• Specifically highlight the groups whose health needs are currently not being addressed: Deaf people, disabled people, Black Asian and Minority Ethnic groups, transgender people, LGBT+ people, offenders and ex-offenders, refugees and homeless people. The Strategy should also set out how interventions will meet their needs.
• Include a strategic objective around equitable access to health services. A focus on prevention is welcome, but the final Strategy also needs to address hospital and GP access issues, particularly for the most vulnerable.
• Allow for meaningful engagement with communities, that can be properly demonstrated and also supports a clear role for community and voluntary sector organisations in promoting health and wellbeing.
• Make commitments for action on tackling poverty in London, which is key in determining good health.

Dr Onkar Sahota AM, Chair of the London Assembly Health Committee, said:



“London is blighted by a number of major health inequalities - and the Mayor of London has a statutory duty to promote the reduction of health inequalities in London. The Health Committee broadly supports the aims set out within the Mayor’s consultation, but greater clarity and detail is needed.

The Mayor needs to strongly embed tackling health inequalities within all his policies, be that transport, housing, planning or the environment. He needs to take a firm hold on the issue of access to services, especially for marginalised groups, and make sure he has meaningfully consulted the right people.

The final Strategy needs to have measurable targets with time-specific commitments for action, so we can be assured that the Mayor will turn warm words into concrete plans. The health of Londoners must be prioritised, given the focus promised by the Mayor.”