Health Inequalities in London

Every Londoner should be able to take full advantage of everything our city has to offer - and good health can help them do that.

Good health isn’t just about hospitals and medicine. It’s about the air we breathe, the homes we live in, the wages we earn, and the opportunities we have to stay active and connect with others.

Since 2016, City Hall has worked tirelessly with partners across the health and care system and beyond, to improve the conditions that shape our health long before any illness takes hold.  

Together, we’ve achieved so much:

• Expanded ULEZ and helped reduce toxic emissions, protecting millions of Londoners—especially children—from the long-term health damage of air pollution.

• Enabling 50,000 Londoners to benefit from £635million pay increase through support for the London Living Wage, helping to address in-work poverty.

• Invested in resources, campaigns and training to help 250,000 Londoners support themselves and each other with better mental health and well-being.

In 2018 we launched the Health Inequalities Strategy (2018-28), outlining how the Mayor and his partners would work to tackle health inequalities.

Right now, we have a real opportunity to progress closing the health gap in London. We're committed to building a healthier and fairer city where:  

• Every child has the chance to grow up healthy, safe, and supported.  

• Mental health is valued and protected just as much as physical health.  

• No one is left without a home, and those who face hardship are met with dignity and care.  

• Structural racism and inequality in are tackled head-on.  

• Londoners are empowered to take control of their own health and live longer, fuller lives.  

The Health Inequalities Strategy Implementation Plan sets out City Hall's priorities to help reduce health inequalities in London. It's the Mayor's contribution to the incredible amount of work being done in London by health, care and other partners.