The UK is getting sicker and poorer, according to IPPR Commission on Health and Prosperity analysis, contributed to by former Future Generations Commissioner, Sophie Howe, which finds that improved health would benefit the finances of people in Wales.

New Future Generations Commissioner, Derek Walker, said:  

“We welcome this report that further highlights the links between poverty and health, showing that better health would improve earnings and financial security across the UK. 

One in six people in the lowest paid jobs left employment following a long-term illness, compared with one in twenty in the highest paid jobs – that’s unfair and we can’t afford for these inequities to continue, if we’re to have a Wales where everyone lives healthy and prosperous lives. 

We need joined-up and long-term policies that support people to stay well for several reasons, and these findings show that investing in better health makes sense economically, too. 

In Wales, where some of the biggest benefits would be felt, we have an ambition for a healthier Wales under our Well-being of Future Generations Act – there is so much more that we could be doing to use our unique law to secure better long-term health. 

I support the recommendation for a long-term health mission and urge decision-makers in Wales to use our existing legislation to further take bold, ambitious, joined-up and long-term action to improve health across all policy decisions.” 

The Well-being of Future Generations Act requires public bodies to work together to ensure improved well-being for people living in Wales now and in the future. 

The new commissioner is working with people and organisations including public bodies, on a plan for his office’s future work. Information will be shared over the coming weeks and months, and you can find out more about Our Future Focus, here.