PEOPLE living in the richest parts of Reading live on average a decade longer than those living in the poorest parts of the town. 

New data on life expectancies per ward shows a clear link between where you live, and on average how long you are likely to live for. 

The three most deprived wards in Reading have some of the lowest life expectancies. On average, people living in Whitley live for 77.8 years, while those in Battle and Norcot live for 80.1 years. 

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Meanwhile, the most affluent wards have some of the highest life expectancies. On average, people living in Peppard live for 83.9 years, in Thames ward for 84.2 years, and in Mapledurham for 88.7 years. 

Councillor Graeme Hoskin, lead for health and wellbeing, said: “Health inequalities are the worst inequalities of all, and the widening gap between the health and life expectancies of the richest and poorest in England is a scar upon our country.” 

He made the comments at a meeting of the health and wellbeing board at Reading Borough Council, on March 13. The data on life expectancies was published in response to a public question.

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Cllr Hoskin said: “The effects of massive government cuts to public services such as Sure Start children’s services, youth provision, the voluntary and community sectors, social care and public health, are likely to damage health in England for decades to come. 

“Reading, while a relatively prosperous town, is also the third most unequal city in England and so our focus on tackling health inequalities — in the face of a national government making the problem worse — is critical.”

He was answering a public question from Tom Lake, of South Reading Patient Voice. Mr Lake referenced the recent Marmot report, which showed how life expectancies are declining for the poorest women in England. 

Cllr Hoskin called the Marmot report “profoundly depressing”.