The Health Foundation released research suggesting that improvements to the nation’s health could deliver substantial economic benefits. The analysis indicates that if the UK’s population health were restored to 2014 levels, economic output could increase by £57bn, representing 2% of GDP, while public finances could receive a £72bn boost through increased tax revenues and reduced spending on social security and the NHS.
The thinktank’s findings highlight significant deterioration in the nation’s health status. Healthy life expectancy fell by two years in the decade leading to 2022-24, making the UK one of only five of the world’s 21 richest countries to experience such a decline. During the same period, the number of working-age people with long-term health conditions grew from 11.7 million to 15.7 million. The research also documents stark disparities, with people in the wealthiest 10% of areas likely to enjoy as many as 20 additional years of good health compared with those in the poorest 10%.
According to the Health Foundation, viewing health as an economic asset could redirect policymakers toward prevention and public health initiatives rather than focusing solely on treatment. The organization argues that while improved health cannot address every economic challenge and some ill health remains unavoidable, better population health can strengthen economic performance and fiscal sustainability.
The findings come as the incoming government prepares to address health-related challenges. Officials are expected to receive reports later this year on youth employment and training and disability benefits reform. Additionally, a commission examining social care reform may accelerate its timeline, with examination potentially beginning before the currently scheduled 2028 reporting deadline. Other research organizations have similarly cautioned that poor health has significantly affected the UK’s fiscal situation, with health-related spending now consuming approximately one pound in every four of government spending outside of debt interest costs.
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