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Report calls for wider approach to tackle root causes of inequality.

Health inequalities in Scotland can only be solved by tackling the root causes of inequality, and taking the fight beyond the NHS, according to a new report.

It found that health in Scotland is improving and life expectancies are increasing. But the rate of improvement is the same in both deprived and affluent areas, meaning relative inequalities remain.

Michael Matheson, Minister for Public Health, said: “Scotland’s health is improving, with people living longer, healthier lives. But despite our best efforts, deeply ingrained health inequalities persist.

“The task force is clear that this problem cannot be solved with health solutions alone. Health inequalities are caused by entrenched problems of poverty, educational under-attainment, worklessness and poor mental wellbeing.

“Scottish Government measures such as free school meals and expanding the provision of free childcare, are the right approach to take.

“Westminster cuts and welfare reforms have made our task considerably more difficult. Only this week we learned that 80,000 Scottish children from working families are living below the poverty line. Last week it was reported that some families are walking 12 miles to collect meals from food banks. These are injustices that cannot be allowed to stand in a wealthy nation like Scotland. The Scottish Government believes that only with independence can we create a fairer society where we can really get to the fundamental causes of health inequality.”

The task force report called for a greater focus on the development of ‘social capital’ – increasing the opportunities for people to engage with others in their community as the evidence suggest that building resilience in individuals, families and communities can make a difference. The importance of Community Planning Partnerships in setting local initiatives was also highlighted.

The Ministerial Task Force on Health Inequalities was established in 2008 and has met every two years to examine what progress is being taken to reduce health inequalities. Ministers want to see a step change in the way that we tackle inequalities and have agreed that the Health and Community Care Delivery Group which meets up to four times a year will consider how best to implement that change. The group includes representatives from the Scottish Government, local government, the NHS and the third sector.

Mr Matheson added: “This group is much better placed to make a difference to service delivery, because it’s made up of people from organisations that understand how to be more effective through working in partnership, sharing resources and focussing on those issues that will have a greater impact on peoples’ lives. It also meets much more frequently than the taskforce, meaning we’ll have more of a year-round focus on what needs to be done.”

Margaret Burns CBE, Chair of the NHS Health Scotland Board said: “The Task Force's work and proposals are symbols of commitment by local and national Government to act, with the NHS, to tackle health inequalities in the future. Action across Government and all sectors will be necessary to support people to avoid the burden of preventable poor health, with its social and economic causes and consequences for this country.”

Notes to editors

NHS Health Scotland is a national Health Board with the responsibility to reduce health inequalities and improve health.

The full report can be found here:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2014/03/2561