Inequality in London

In a city as large as London, there will be inequalities between areas. Even when travelling short distances on the London Underground, the life expectancy between stations can be 10 years different in some cases. For example, Canary Wharf (a CDB) has a life expectancy of 89 years, but travel three stops west to Limehouse, and the life expectancy drops to 81 years. This level of deprivation (insert definition: a lack of wealth and services) has a range of causes. By collecting information on education, health, employment, housing and services, the government can create an Index of Multiple Deprivation which shows the level of deprivation in an area. The government also link crime to deprivation, as statistically, there is higher crime in the more deprived areas.

It can be suggested that in 2019, between 1.3 and 1.5 million people lived in areas of London classed as among the most deprived in England, equating to 15-17%% of its population. Despite London’s considerable wealth, incomes are more unequal compared to those in the UK as a whole.

Comparing London boroughs: Newham vs Richmond upon Thames

Newham is one of London’s poorest and most deprived boroughs, whereas Richmond upon Thames is one of the wealthiest. High levels of deprivation can have a significant impact on the health of residents and overall life expectancy.

Let’s take a look at how they compare in more detail: