The research, led by the University of Bristol and University of Bath, presents policy recommendations to tackle the root causes of poor health which hold the key to overcome inequalities. 

The study, published in the journal Contemporary Social Science, used data from interviews with 132 key government and industry professionals to assess if the 12 'missions' published in the Levelling Up White Paper will achieve better quality of urban living to improve public health. 

The study is part of TRUUD, a transdisciplinary research project led by the University of Bristol, which aims to reduce non-communicable disease (such as cancers, diabetes, obesity, mental ill-health and respiratory illness) and health inequalities linked to the quality of urban planning and development. 

Using seven principles that could underpin a successful ‘levelling up’ strategy for healthy urban developments, researchers recommend how the Government might address the wider determinants of health in the implementation of its ambitions. 

These include establishing a cross-government commitment for health, led by the Prime Minister's office, further local devolution of powers, simplified means of funding, and increased use of evidence from local communities and health sources for decision-making. 

Read the full University of Bristol news item

Paper: 'What needs to happen to 'level up' public health?' by Sarah Ayres, Andrew Barnfield et al. in Contemporary Social Science [open access]