"DISPARITIES" in income, opportunities, health outcomes and life expectancy between St Helens and the rest of the country have been described as “unfair and preventable”.

A report – which accompanies the annual report of the St Helens Inequalities Commission 2023-24 – came before the people’s board on Wednesday.

The annual report outlines the activities, outcomes, and current and future priorities of the Inequalities Commission over the past year

The people’s board is recommended to note the findings of the annual report of the Inequalities Commission.

A report – which accompanies the annual report – says St Helens is the 26th most deprived local authority area in England in 2019, and this deprivation “had worsened from previous years.

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It adds: “This was compounded by St Helens being one of the areas most impacted by the Covid19 pandemic.

“At the same time, inequalities exist within the borough between different wards.

“A high proportion of children in St Helens live within absolute low-income families, impacting on health outcomes across the life course. Again, disparities between wards are seen here.

“Disparities are seen in income, opportunities, health outcomes and life expectancy between St Helens and the rest of the country, and between groups within St Helens. These are unfair and preventable.

“An alternative to having an Inequalities Commission would be to try to tackle inequalities in all areas of policy separately.

“This may not be as successful in bringing together expert and community voices across all areas to understand what those inequalities are, or to establish recommendations to improve them.

“By having an Inequalities Commission, St Helens demonstrates its commitment to creating a fairer society for all.

“Health inequalities are prevalent across society and within the borough of St Helens.

“The award-winning work of the Inequalities Commission, in collaboration with local partner organisations, and informed by engagement with the local communities, is helping to identify the causes of these inequalities and to make recommendations to make a more equal St Helens for all.”