We know that, despite a lot of effort from all of us, unfair and preventable inequalities persist
A major health partnership designed to tackle health inequalities in North Tyneside is set to be finalised.
The closing arrangements for a project between the local authority and the Institute of Health Equity (IHE) are scheduled for completion next week. The work between North Tyneside Council and the IHE is set to be contracted soon and begin in January 2026. The project is split across two years.
Year one would see the compilation of data, helping to refresh local health initiatives, and a “deep dive” into fighting poverty. The second year would see the publication of IHE report, alongside the implementation of its recommendations. IHE experts will also be conducting research on the ground in North Tyneside.
Early work already carried out by the IHE into North Tyneside has shown that while healthy life expectancy has been rising in North Tyneside, it began to dip between 2015-17 up to 2021-23. Average healthy life expectancy is the length of time someone can expect to be without ill-health.
At this morning’s North Tyneside health and well-being board, Louise Gray, director of public health said: “So we know that despite a lot of effort from all of us, and the wider group, unfair and preventable inequalities persist in North Tyneside.
“This is an opportunity for us to work with an internationally renowned academic institute and experts in this matter. It is a two year programme to get going further and faster.”
Neighbouring authority Northumberland County Council commissioned the IHE to study how it could tackles inequalities among its own residents. A report published by the institute in 2025, recommended the county council to improve the supply of affordable, and sustainable housing.
It has been proposed that an official launch event will take place in March next year, to raise awareness. Sir Michael Marmot, principle founder of the IHE, will be in attendance.