Restoring the health of the UK population to 2014 levels could increase the country's GDP by 2%, according to a report from the Health Foundation thinktank published on Sunday. The research estimates that this improvement could generate a £72 billion benefit for public finances.
Key Details
The report highlights that healthy life expectancy in the UK fell by two years between 2012 and 2024, making it one of only five of the world's 21 richest nations to experience such a decline. The number of working-age individuals with long-term health conditions rose from 11.7 million to 15.7 million during the same period. The Health Foundation pointed out significant inequalities, noting that individuals in the wealthiest areas could enjoy up to 20 additional years of good health compared to those in the poorest regions.
David Finch, interim director of health and inequalities at the Health Foundation, stated that restoring health to 2014 levels could unlock £57 billion in economic output. This would come from stronger tax revenues and reduced spending on social security and the National Health Service (NHS). Finch emphasized,
Improving health is essential to deliver the good growth in every postcode on which the incoming government’s ambitions will depend.
Background
The report argues that policymakers should consider health as an economic asset, as a healthier workforce contributes to greater productivity and economic participation. Rising ill health not only increases NHS costs but also leads to lost tax revenue and economic output due to sickness-related work absences.
The findings suggest potential implications for public spending and economic policy, particularly in health and social care sectors. A focus on improving public health could influence government budget allocations and fiscal strategies. Investors will watch for the government's response to these recommendations in upcoming policy announcements.