Gap In Life Expectancy Shows That Labour Have Let Working Class Areas Down

Labour have betrayed people from working class backgrounds in so many ways. The abolition of the 10p rate of tax; declining social mobility; and new plans to claim back housing benefit from the most disadvantaged are all signs that the Labour Party have completely lost touch with their roots. In North Durham, Labour Councillors have shown themselves to be out of touch from people affected by rising unemployment and the difficulties caused by the recession.

A report published on Friday showed quite how much people from working class areas have been let down after twelve years of Labour Government. The shocking finding of the report was that, in terms of life expectancy, there is a staggering 26 year gap in life expectancy between different parts of the UK. One of the lowest levels of life expectancy was for Pelton Fell, in Chester-le-Street, which had the third lowest level in the country (70.4, compared with 93.4 for the community with the highest life expectancy).

It is shocking that after twelve years of Labour Government, such a massive gulf of life expectancy has been allowed to exist. Clearly, much more needs to be done to bridge the gap. This level of inequality is simply wrong and stands as yet another example of this Government letting this area down so badly.