Latest news with #HealthEquityNorth
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Britain's high streets turning into ‘ghosts towns' and are now overrun with vape shops and takeaways
BRITAIN'S high streets are turning into 'ghost towns', a report warns. The decline — which has sped up over the last decade — has seen assets such as banks, pharmacies, libraries and public loos vanish. 2 And many areas are now overrun by vape shops, bookies and takeaways. The change is most stark in deprived areas struggling with health and economic inequalities in the North, according to research by academics at Health Equity North. Professor Clare Bambra, from Newcastle University, said: 'You should be able to walk down a high street and feel the uniqueness, culture and identity of that community. 'Through innovative design, better public transport, and measures that promote people over cars, we can re-think these spaces so they become 'go-tos' rather than 'ghost towns'.' Her colleague Prof Adam Todd added: 'Our high streets feel like a shadow of themselves. "Protecting these spaces for the next generation isn't just about restoring them to some nostalgic vision of town centres past.' Since 2014, the number of takeaway shops has risen 24 per cent across England — 30 per cent in the most deprived areas. The amount of vape shops has risen 1,200 per cent in that time, while there are three times more bookies now in poorer places. Why are so many pubs and bars closing? 2
Scottish Sun
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Britain's high streets turning into ‘ghosts towns' and now overrun with vape shops and takeaways
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITAIN'S high streets are turning into 'ghost towns', a report warns. The decline — which has sped up over the last decade — has seen assets such as banks, pharmacies, libraries and public loos vanish. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Britain's high streets are turning into 'ghost towns', a report has warned Credit: John Gunion - The Sun Glasgow And many areas are now overrun by vape shops, bookies and takeaways. The change is most stark in deprived areas struggling with health and economic inequalities in the North, according to research by academics at Health Equity North. Professor Clare Bambra, from Newcastle University, said: 'You should be able to walk down a high street and feel the uniqueness, culture and identity of that community. 'Through innovative design, better public transport, and measures that promote people over cars, we can re-think these spaces so they become 'go-tos' rather than 'ghost towns'.' read more on uk news SLAVE PROBE Popular sea shanty band who play Glastonbury are at centre of SLAVERY probe Her colleague Prof Adam Todd added: 'Our high streets feel like a shadow of themselves. "Protecting these spaces for the next generation isn't just about restoring them to some nostalgic vision of town centres past.' Since 2014, the number of takeaway shops has risen 24 per cent across England — 30 per cent in the most deprived areas. The amount of vape shops has risen 1,200 per cent in that time, while there are three times more bookies now in poorer places. Why are so many pubs and bars closing? 2 Many areas are now overrun by vape shops, bookies and takeaways Credit: Alamy Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
The Guardian
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Number of vape shops in England rises by almost 1,200% in a decade
The number of vape shops on high streets across England has increased by almost 1,200% over the past decade, while deprived areas have up to 25 times as many bookmakers and pawnbrokers as affluent ones, according to research. In 2014, only 33.8% of 317 local authorities in England had a vape shop, rising to 97.2% in 2024. Similarly, in 2014 less than 1% of local authorities in England had 10 or more vape shops, rising to 28% in 2024. The study, conducted by researchers at Health Equity North, looked at Ordnance Survey data to track how amenities had changed between 2014 and 2024. The amenities were divided into those seen as 'health promoting', such as pharmacies, libraries and supermarkets, and 'health reducing' such as vape shops, bookmakers, takeaways and alcohol-only outlets. They found a stark decline in healthier amenities, with unhealthy alternatives taking their place. Takeaway shops were up by almost a quarter (24%) across England, while the number of banks and building societies decreased by 40%, and supermarkets by 10%. The report found there were stark regional divides across England regarding high-street amenities, with twice as many vape shops in the north of England. The number of takeaways in the north of England rose by a third (31%), compared with a rise of 18% in the south. There were three times as many vape shops in deprived areas compared with the least deprived ones. Deprived areas also had 25 times more pawnbrokers and more than three times as many bookmakers. Dr Eman Zied Abozied, research associate at Newcastle University Population Sciences Institute, said the study showed that high streets were becoming 'less healthy and welcoming places to visit'. 'The disappearance of amenities such as supermarkets, banks, pharmacies and public toilets particularly affects groups such as women, children and the elderly,' she said. 'But what we're seeing impacts all of us. The deterioration of our high streets makes our centres feel less safe, less inviting, and ultimately makes us feel more disconnected as communities.' She added: 'It is important that we act now to reverse this decline. If we involve local communities in making decisions about their high streets, we can make our high streets and towns more accessible and healthy for everyone.' Prof Clare Bambra, an academic co-director at Health Equity North and professor of public health at Newcastle University, said: 'Over the last decade, our high streets have been hit by a devastating succession of shocks – from the impact of austerity to the Covid-19 pandemic. They've also been hollowed out by changing spending habits, and the rising cost of living. 'This trend has disproportionately affected the most deprived places in our country. The northern high street now has fewer places to go to buy essentials, as well as fewer supermarkets, public toilets and other amenities and resources. The north has twice as many vape shops as the south, as well as more takeaway outlets and bookmakers. 'You should be able to walk down a high street, and feel the uniqueness, culture and identity of that community. Through innovative design, better public transport, and measures that promote people over cars, we can rethink these spaces so they become 'go-to's' rather than 'ghost towns'.' A government spokesperson said: 'For years high streets have been starved of investment despite their potential to thrive, but we are taking decisive action to turn the tide through our Plan for Change. 'Councils and local leaders have powers to tackle persistently vacant properties in city, town and village centres by putting the leases up for auction to help restrict the types of businesses that fill those lots. 'We are driving regeneration and growth with £1.5billion through the Plan for Neighbourhoods to boost high streets, and we're bringing empty shops back to life through our high street rental auctions.' City of London, London: 4.6 Blackburn with Darwen, north-west: 1.7 Preston, north-west: 1.6 Blackpool, north-west: 1.2 Bolton, north-west: 1.2 Lincoln, East Midlands: 1.2 Thanet, south-east: 1.2 Chesterfield, East Midlands: 1.1 Hyndburn, north-west: 1.1 Derbyshire Dales, East Midlands: 1
The Herald Scotland
02-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Labour seats set to suffer worst economic impact of welfare reforms
The study, which examined the drop in spending locally as a result of fewer Pip claimants being eligible under the changes, also found that the most deprived areas stand to lose nearly three times more than the wealthiest. (PA Graphics) The latest data shows there are 3.7 million people receiving Pip in England and Wales. The level of financial support provided is based on how high claimants score based on their level of difficulty performing day-to-day activities. Changes to Pip assessments are part of a push to reduce the welfare bill and get more people into employment. The 'pathways to work' Green Paper, published in March, includes a plan to require a minimum score of four points in at least one category to qualify for the 'daily living' component of Pip. The age at which young people transition from disability living allowance for children will also be increased from 16 to 18. The research by Health Equity North, led by academics from Newcastle University, the University of Sheffield and the University of Manchester, found the changes would have the most impact in the North East and the North West, with average per person losses of £269 and £231 respectively. These regions are followed by Yorkshire and the Humber (£206), the West Midlands (£191) and the East Midlands (£185). At constituency level, the worst hit are Easington in County Durham (£409 per person), Liverpool Walton (£403) and Knowsley (£389). The analysis showed these losses to economies could total between £23.4 million and £26.2 million every year by 2029/30, with the most deprived constituencies losing an annual £265 per person compared to £96 in the least deprived. The 10 worst-hit constituencies are all represented by Labour MPs in so-called 'red wall' areas. The remaining seven are Bootle; Blackpool South; Birkenhead; Hartlepool; Houghton & Sunderland South; Liverpool West, Derby; and Wallasey. The lowest economic impacts were identified in in Bristol Central (£62 per working-age person), Oxford and West Abingdon (£66) and Wimbledon (£67), equating to £5 million, £4.7 million and £4.9 million per year respectively. The research also found the Pip reforms would disproportionately affect areas with the lowest levels of life expectancy in England. The Green Paper says fewer than one in five Pip claimants are in employment and people in receipt of the support are 'less likely to leave the benefit now than when it was first introduced'. 'This is having a significant drag on living standards and is a major driver of poverty,' it adds. A Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) impact assessment of the changes to social security in the spring statement estimated there will be an additional 250,000 people, including 50,000 children, in relative poverty by 2030. The assessment states that this estimate does not include the impact of funding to support people into work, 'which we expect to mitigate the poverty impact'. Clare Bambra, academic co-director of Health Equity North and professor of public health at Newcastle University, said Parliament should not 'rush through' the Government's plans without considering the wider impact. She added: 'Those areas that will lose most from this proposal were already decimated by austerity, Covid and the cost-of-living crisis. 'They have worse health than other regions and their local services and economies are already struggling. 'Losses of this magnitude risk worsening the situation for everyone living in these deprived constituencies.' Luke Munford, also a director of Health Equity North and a senior lecturer in Health Economics, at the University of Manchester, said: 'While we acknowledge the Government's desire to reduce costs and encourage people into work, we urge MPs to consider the potential impact of this proposal to thousands of people in their constituencies before casting their vote.' The conclusions of the study were based on figures provided in response to freedom of information requests and publicly available data from the DWP and the Office for National Statistics. A DWP spokesperson said: 'As part of our Plan For Change, we're creating a sustainable welfare system that delivers proper support to help sick and disabled people break down barriers, unlock work, boost living standards, and grow the economy. 'This is on top of our Get Britain Working White Paper, which set out the biggest employment reforms in a generation – backed by £240 million – working across government and with our mayors, local leaders, the NHS, and employers to drive up employment and opportunity and grow the economy.'
Western Telegraph
01-05-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Labour seats set to suffer worst economic impact of welfare reforms
A seat-by-seat analysis of the potential consequences of the Government's plan to tighten the eligibility criteria for the personal independence payment (Pip) showed businesses in some places face collective annual losses of more than £20 million. The study, which examined the drop in spending locally as a result of fewer Pip claimants being eligible under the changes, also found that the most deprived areas stand to lose nearly three times more than the wealthiest. (PA Graphics) The latest data shows there are 3.7 million people receiving Pip in England and Wales. The level of financial support provided is based on how high claimants score based on their level of difficulty performing day-to-day activities. Changes to Pip assessments are part of a push to reduce the welfare bill and get more people into employment. The 'pathways to work' Green Paper, published in March, includes a plan to require a minimum score of four points in at least one category to qualify for the 'daily living' component of Pip. The age at which young people transition from disability living allowance for children will also be increased from 16 to 18. Those areas that will lose most from this proposal were already decimated by austerity, Covid and the cost-of-living crisis. They have worse health than other regions and their local services and economies are already struggling Clare Bambra, Newcastle University The research by Health Equity North, led by academics from Newcastle University, the University of Sheffield and the University of Manchester, found the changes would have the most impact in the North East and the North West, with average per person losses of £269 and £231 respectively. These regions are followed by Yorkshire and the Humber (£206), the West Midlands (£191) and the East Midlands (£185). At constituency level, the worst hit are Easington in County Durham (£409 per person), Liverpool Walton (£403) and Knowsley (£389). The analysis showed these losses to economies could total between £23.4 million and £26.2 million every year by 2029/30, with the most deprived constituencies losing an annual £265 per person compared to £96 in the least deprived. One in five The number of Pip claimants who are in employment The Green Paper The 10 worst-hit constituencies are all represented by Labour MPs in so-called 'red wall' areas. The remaining seven are Bootle; Blackpool South; Birkenhead; Hartlepool; Houghton & Sunderland South; Liverpool West, Derby; and Wallasey. The lowest economic impacts were identified in in Bristol Central (£62 per working-age person), Oxford and West Abingdon (£66) and Wimbledon (£67), equating to £5 million, £4.7 million and £4.9 million per year respectively. The research also found the Pip reforms would disproportionately affect areas with the lowest levels of life expectancy in England. The Green Paper says fewer than one in five Pip claimants are in employment and people in receipt of the support are 'less likely to leave the benefit now than when it was first introduced'. 'This is having a significant drag on living standards and is a major driver of poverty,' it adds. Losses of this magnitude risk worsening the situation for everyone living in these deprived constituencies Clare Bambra, Newcastle University A Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) impact assessment of the changes to social security in the spring statement estimated there will be an additional 250,000 people, including 50,000 children, in relative poverty by 2030. The assessment states that this estimate does not include the impact of funding to support people into work, 'which we expect to mitigate the poverty impact'. Clare Bambra, academic co-director of Health Equity North and professor of public health at Newcastle University, said Parliament should not 'rush through' the Government's plans without considering the wider impact. She added: 'Those areas that will lose most from this proposal were already decimated by austerity, Covid and the cost-of-living crisis. 'They have worse health than other regions and their local services and economies are already struggling. While we acknowledge the Government's desire to reduce costs and encourage people into work, we urge MPs to consider the potential impact of this proposal to thousands of people in their constituencies before casting their vote Luke Munford, University of Manchester 'Losses of this magnitude risk worsening the situation for everyone living in these deprived constituencies.' Luke Munford, also a director of Health Equity North and a senior lecturer in Health Economics, at the University of Manchester, said: 'While we acknowledge the Government's desire to reduce costs and encourage people into work, we urge MPs to consider the potential impact of this proposal to thousands of people in their constituencies before casting their vote.' The conclusions of the study were based on figures provided in response to freedom of information requests and publicly available data from the DWP and the Office for National Statistics. A DWP spokesperson said: 'As part of our Plan For Change, we're creating a sustainable welfare system that delivers proper support to help sick and disabled people break down barriers, unlock work, boost living standards, and grow the economy. 'This is on top of our Get Britain Working White Paper, which set out the biggest employment reforms in a generation – backed by £240 million – working across government and with our mayors, local leaders, the NHS, and employers to drive up employment and opportunity and grow the economy.'
