Published annually, the Chief Medical Officer’s report examines major public health issues affecting the nation and helps inform policy and practice across the health and care system.
In recognition of Hampshire’s expertise in public health intelligence and health inequalities, the report’s chapter on deprivation is authored by the County Council’s public health team: Simon Bryant, Director of Public Health; Jenny Bowers, Principal Public Health Intelligence Specialist; and Marie-Claire Lobo, Consultant in Public Health Medicine.
Simon Bryant said: “We are proud to have contributed to this important national report. While Hampshire is often seen as a relatively affluent county, we know that deprivation and inequality exist within many of our communities and can sometimes be less visible in rural areas.
“Understanding where need exists and how it affects people’s health is essential if we are to ensure that support reaches those who need it most. The report demonstrates the value of good local intelligence and evidence in helping to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities.”
The chapter explores how deprivation is experienced across England and highlights why a deeper understanding of local circumstances is needed to tackle health inequalities effectively. Key findings include:
- Deprivation is not confined to towns and cities and can be found in communities across England.
- Rural disadvantage is often less visible, with pockets of need hidden within otherwise affluent areas.
- Limited public transport and longer journeys to work, education, healthcare and other services can create additional barriers for rural residents.
- The true extent of rural deprivation may not always be captured by national measures and datasets.
- Combining local intelligence with national data can help decision makers identify need more accurately and target support more effectively.
Hampshire County Council’s contribution to the report reflects its longstanding commitment to understanding and tackling the factors that shape people’s health and wellbeing. This ambition is at the heart of the County Council’s Public Health Strategy 2026-2030, which aims to reduce health inequalities and increase the number of years people can expect to live in good health. The strategy recognises that factors such as income, housing, employment, transport and access to services can all influence health outcomes, making a better understanding of deprivation a vital part of improving health and wellbeing across Hampshire.