Marmot city – Fairer, Healthier Leeds

Approximately 80% of our health is influenced by the conditions in which we are born, grow, live, work, and age. These are referred to as the 'building blocks' or 'social determinants' of health. In Leeds, too many people do not have fair access to these essential building blocks, and therefore do not have equal opportunity to achieve good health. This in turn, results in differences in health outcomes between different communities, such as higher risks of developing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, poorer mental wellbeing, and premature death - i.e. health inequalities.

This is unjust and is avoidable and is why in 2023 Leeds became a Marmot City, committing to a two-year partnership with the Institute of Health Equity to drive action on the social determinants of health and reduce health inequalities. The city's programme, Fairer, Healthier Leeds, aligns with the Marmot Principles and supports a long-term vision for equity across all aspects of city life. 

Working together with partners from across Leeds, we will:

• deliver on our ambitious commitments to reduce health inequalities
• hold ourselves to account for our actions and progress on health inequalities
• work closely with the communities and residents of Leeds
• implement systematic actions to promote equity across all health ‘building blocks’
• prioritise fairness and equity in every decision we make
• allocate services and resources based on people’s needs in a proportional manner

Working with renowned health equity expert, Professor Sir Michael Marmot, and his team at the Institute of Health Equity, we have undertaken ‘deep dives’ within specific themes (housing, best start, racism and discrimination, and inclusive economies), leading to proactive actions in those areas. But we need to go further and work with more city partners - we need to join up, scale up, and be bold.

This work is overseen by the Health and Wellbeing Board and aims to ensure everyone has the right conditions in place to enable people to thrive.

Read the Fairer, Healthier Leeds: Reducing Health Inequalities - IHE report. 

For more information have a look at our series of videos.