North-South Life Expectancy Gap Grows in England Despite Record 2026

The north-south life expectancy gap in England has widened over the past decade, with people in northern regions facing higher rates of heart disease, cancer, suicide, and alcohol- and drug-related deaths, according to new data from the King’s Fund. Despite life expectancy reaching an all-time high in 2025—men now average 80 years and women nearly 84 years—the gains are overwhelmingly concentrated in the south. This disparity underscores persistent health inequalities tied to deprivation.

The Widening North-South Divide in Life Expectancy

Provisional figures show that while London’s life expectancy rose by nearly a year in the decade to 2023–25, the five northern regions—North West, North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, West Midlands, and East Midlands—experienced little or no increase. 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 those in Hart, Hampshire, while women in Blackpool live eight years less.

“In the most deprived 30% of areas, life expectancy either fell or didn’t improve over the past decade, and that’s a disturbing story,” said Veena Raleigh, senior fellow at the King’s Fund. “Meanwhile, it went up by half a year in the least deprived 30% of areas.”

Underlying Determinants of Health

The charity warns that the life expectancy gap cannot be solved by the health service alone. “This isn’t just a question of fixing the health service,” Raleigh added. “It requires a cross-government drive to address the wider determinants of health, such as secure jobs, fair pay, adequate housing, clean air, accessible transport, and affordable essentials.”

Key Factors Driving the Gap

• Deprivation: Northern regions have higher poverty rates, leading to worse health outcomes.
• Chronic disease burden: Heart disease, cancer, and respiratory illnesses are more prevalent in the north.
• Mental health and substance misuse: Suicides and alcohol- or drug-related deaths contribute significantly to lower life expectancy.
• COVID-19 impact: The pandemic hit northern areas hardest, but southern regions recovered faster.

Comparative Data: Life Expectancy by Region

Note: Figures are approximate based on King’s Fund 2025 provisional data.

What Can Be Done to Close the Gap?

The King’s Fund calls for a “levelling up” agenda that goes beyond health care. Investment in northern infrastructure, job creation, and social programs could narrow the divide. Public health campaigns targeting smoking, obesity, and alcohol misuse also remain critical. Without systemic change, the north-south life expectancy gap is likely to widen further.

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