King's Fund: Equality is huge challenge

Reducing health inequalities is "one of the most significant challenges" facing the NHS, government and society, the chief executive of the King's Fund has said.

Niall Dickson's comment follows the publication of the government's latest strategy to improve life expectancy and the quality of life for all.

He welcomed the plans and praised the improvements made so far.

However Mr Dickson added: "Some health inequalities continue to widen - and the geographical gap in life expectancy has risen for women and remained static for men.

"What we need to see now is a continued cross-government strategy to tackle unhealthy lifestyles… if we do not make significant strides on tackling unhealthy lifestyles, especially with regard to obesity, then we will have to spend substantially more on the NHS than would otherwise be the case - so much so that it could threaten the long-term viability of the service."