Section 2: Economic inequality in Gateshead

Reducing health and social inequalities is not just a matter of fairness and social justice. Inequalities are bad for everyone in society. In unequal countries; civic participation decreases, household debt rises, and child well-being is worse. It is morally unacceptable that there is a direct link between lower social position and poorer health. In line with other parts of the UK, inequalities have started growing again in Gateshead. (Gateshead health and Wellbeing Strategy: Good Jobs, homes, health and friends)

In our economically advanced society, rising inequalities suggest that the right policies are not in place to make use of all available resources to guarantee a decent standard of living for everyone.