Putting children first in Oxfordshire’s drive to reduce health inequalities
Children and young people are at the heart of ongoing efforts to create a fairer future for all in the county, as Oxfordshire County Council commits to acting on the findings of a recent report by the Institute of Health Equity, as part of becoming a Marmot Place.
The report, Starting stronger, fairer futures in Oxfordshire, sets out clear evidence that while people in Oxfordshire generally live longer and healthier lives than the national average, outcomes are not experienced equally, with significant differences between communities.
It brings together data alongside insight from local partners and communities and recognises the strong foundation of work already under way across Oxfordshire, while also noting that further action is needed to ensure that support reaches those who need it most and is delivered at the right scale.
Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “Oxfordshire is a county with many strengths, but this report outlines that not everyone has the same opportunities to live a healthy life.
“We welcome these findings. Tackling the inequalities highlighted in this report is a priority for this administration, and the evidence will help guide our next steps as we work with partners to reduce inequalities.
“Our aim is to ensure that everyone, regardless of where they live or their circumstances, has the chance to thrive.”
Matin Reeves, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This report is an important milestone in our shared ambition to tackle health inequalities across Oxfordshire. It shows clearly that while overall outcomes are strong, there are unacceptable differences between and within communities that we must address.
“We are committed to working with partners across health, education, the voluntary and community sector, and local businesses to build on existing efforts and turn the report’s recommendations into clear and deliverable actions.
“This includes a particular focus on ensuring every child has the best start in life, strengthening early intervention, and addressing the wider factors that influence health and wellbeing.
“By working together, we can build a fairer Oxfordshire where every child and family has the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.”
Professor Sir Michael Marmot, Director of the UCL Institute of Health Equity, said: “Oxfordshire has shown real leadership by becoming a Marmot Place. The IHE is now working with nearly 70 places across the country, including the whole of Scotland and Wales. We are building up a wealth of evidence on how to implement the eight principles for greater health equity. The task now for Oxfordshire is to build on the strong work already under way and create the conditions that allow all local residents to flourish, equitably.”
Work is already under way to develop detailed action plans that will translate the report’s recommendations into practical steps. These will focus on improving outcomes for children, young people and families, and supporting healthier communities across the county.
Back in 2019, Index of Multiple Deprivation data identified ten communities in Oxfordshire with small areas in the 20 per cent most deprived nationally. In October 2025, the most recent data showed that this had reduced to eight.
More information
Oxfordshire is working with University College London’s Institute of Health Equity to understand the factors causing different health outcomes for our population. Health is impacted by many factors in life, such as having good quality homes, a stable income and good education, as well as lifestyle choices such as what we eat and how much exercise we take.
Marmot places are local areas that adopt evidence-based principles and methodology developed by Sir Michael Marmot and his team, to tackle the causes of health inequalities.
Read the report in full by visiting the Institute of Health Equity's website.
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