A report has revealed an “unacceptable gap” in life expectancy between the most and least deprived areas in Sutton.

Life expectancy varies across the borough by about eight years between the poorer and the wealthier wards.

While Sutton as a whole is relatively less deprived than most places in England some areas are in the 20 per cent most deprived in the country.

From 2007 to 2010 certain areas within Sutton have become increasingly impoverished.

Life expectancy is significantly lower for some people in Sutton such as those with severe mental illness, learning disabilities, or problematic drug users.

Your Local Guardian:

Dr Ellis Friedman, director of public health, said: “The council in Sutton is committed along with its partner agencies on the Health and Wellbeing Board to tackle health inequalities. In recent years, the northern part of the borough has experienced inward migration of residents with greater health needs.

“The Health & Wellbeing Board has agreed at its first meeting in June, a Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy to improve the health and wellbeing of Sutton residents and to reduce geographical health inequalities. 

“About 60 specific, monitorable, timed targets have been set to demonstrably improve health experience in the period 2013-16. 

"We expect improvements to occur in many areas which will help reduce the gap in health experience.  For example, strategies to increase physical activity, reduce smoking and decrease obesity.”