Healthy life expectancy declines in nearly 90% of council areas in England and Wales

New data shows that healthy life expectancy has declined in nearly 90% of council areas in England and Wales. Male babies born between 2021 and 2023 can expect 61.5 years of good health, while females can expect 61.9 years. In Wales, healthy life expectancy is lower, with males expecting 60.3 years and females 59.6 years. This marks a decrease of about 20 months for males and 22 months for females in England since before the pandemic. The gap in healthy life expectancy between wealthy and deprived areas has widened. For instance, a baby born in Blackpool can expect 51.7 years of good health, while one in Wokingham can expect 69.7 years.