Inflation may have peaked, but it’s no reason to celebrate

For many, this has created a cycle of poor mental, physical, and financial health that is incredibly difficult to escape. This means that those worst hit by any inflation are at the bottom of the income spectrum as well as the worst off in health. 

The marginal drop in inflation makes no substantial difference; we know that inflation affects their basket of goods in ways that are harsher than that of the national average. Incomes and real cash in people’s pockets continue to erode, especially for the working poor, those in frontline roles, and people from minoritised backgrounds. 

The picture is hugely challenging, and policymakers, employers and housing providers can’t afford to be complacent. For better outcomes, policies on housing, work and finances must be made with involvement from communities and with health as the guiding principle.

The solutions to fight health inequalities and the rise in long-term sickness require continued, collective, practical action from the government, businesses, employers, and community organisations. Not just because it is the right thing to do, but because a healthy economy needs health people.

Rishi Sunak has pledged to halve inflation this year – but this means little to deprived communities without practical, systemic action across all sectors to tackle inequalities at the same time. The health inequalities white paper that has been shelved for almost a year would be the best way for this process to begin.