Executive Director responds to the Autumn Budget 2026

“We welcome measures in today’s Budget that will help ease pressure on household finances, including the £100 payment for households with lower council tax bands, continued support with energy bills, reforms to standing charges, and action to reduce everyday costs. 

“These measures matter because financial security and warm homes are strong predictors of good health. When families have more disposable income, they are better able to afford essentials such as food, heating and housing, helping to reduce some of the pressures that contribute to poor health and widening inequalities. 

“We are also encouraged by the additional investment in social housing and support for people experiencing homelessness. Safe, secure and affordable housing has long been championed by Health Equity North and is fundamental to good health. Greater investment in this area has the potential to improve outcomes for some of the most disadvantaged communities across the country.  

“Furthermore, the announcement to fund high street reforms through revenue raised from unhealthy amenities such as gambling and vape shops, aligns with the recommendations set out in our Ghost Towns report last year. Creating stronger, healthier high streets can play an important role in reducing inequalities and supporting long-term growth. We would now like to see this revenue committed to increasing healthy amenities and ensuring that people from deprived areas have better access to  supermarkets, pharmacies and health-promoting third spaces. 

“While these measures are welcome, they must form part of a broader strategy to address the root causes of health inequalities. Lasting improvements in health and prosperity will require sustained investment in housing, good jobs, prevention and the wider social and economic conditions that shape people’s lives. We call on Mayors and Combined Authorities to use the devolved funding to ensuring that health is at the heart of all local strategies reforms – this is the key to ensuring communities in the North and beyond prosper into a brighter and healthier future.”