In the News
Regional economics - Seaside poor health overlooked

21st July 2021
Economic and social deprivation suffered by many in UK coastal towns is highlighted in a report from England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty.
You can access the Annual Report from the Chief Medical Officer here
Most coastal towns have ‘hidden problems’ and a big wealth and income divide. Their populations tend to be older, per capita incomes are lower and economic inactivity rates are higher. This feeds through to worse outcomes for public health, a problem accentuated by the lack of public health facilities including access to NHS dentists. Whitty argues that many residents are left "old before their time."
These problems have been apparent for decades and will require major investment from both public and private sector to address in a fundamental way. Coastal economic decline is a really important aspect of the regional economic problem for the UK.
Here are some key findings from the report:
- Ageing population - In smaller seaside towns, 31% of the resident population was aged 65 years or over in 2019, compared to just 22% in smaller non-coastal towns.
- Reduced access to high quality health care - coastal communities have 14.6% fewer postgraduate medical trainees, 15% fewer consultants and 7.4% fewer nurses per patient than the national average despite higher healthcare needs.
- Unemployment and part-time employment rate is higher in coastal towns and the level of economic diversification is lower.
Poor health overlooked in Blackpool and other seaside towns @The_Gazette https://t.co/8efrSJIVcX
— Pete Fleetwood (@PenrhosPete) July 21, 2021
You might also like
Is it helpful to talk about ‘relative poverty’ in the UK?
3rd October 2014
The Poverty Trap- Panorama
12th October 2014

Measuring a minimum income standard
29th July 2014
Inequality and consequences for economic growth
6th October 2014

New Infographic on Human Capital
20th August 2014

Recessions are good for the nation’s health
6th August 2014

2014 Human Development Report focuses on Vulnerability
24th July 2014

Universities, Business and the UK Economy
17th July 2014