Londoners Pessimistic About The Health Of Their City

The majority of Londoners think the capital is an unhealthy place to live, and that things are going to get worse, according to a unique survey produced for the King's Fund.

A MORI poll, commissioned by the King's Fund and Evening Standard, found that:

• 3 out of 5 Londoners think the capital is an unhealthy place to live in;
• two-thirds think that London is less healthy than other parts of the country; and
• half think the capital will be a less healthy place to live in in 5 years time.

The poll revealed that there are significant variations between how healthy different groups of Londoners feel:

• people in social classes A & B are more likely to say that their health is good (96%) than people in social classes D & E (70%)
• people in social classes A & B are also more likely to think that their health will be good in 5 years time (89%) than people in social classes D & E (54%)
• older people are less likely to think that they will be healthy in future (53%) than younger people (74%)

When asked what the London Mayor's top 3 priorities for change should be to make London a healthier place to live in:

• 9 out of 10 Londoners said environmental issues, including:
  • 57% reducing traffic
  • 50% improving air quality
  • 27% cleaner streets
  • 23% improving housing
• a third of Londoners said work and employment issues, including
  • 26% reducing unemployment
• 55% of Londoners said "life-style" issues, including:
• 32% improving childcare facilities
• 25% reducing illegal drug consumption

King's Fund public health programme director Anna Coote said:

"Londoners are the real experts on the health of London. This survey shows they are concerned about the health of their communities and want their new Greater London Authority to take determined action to improve it."

"As the democratic voice of London, it is important that the GLA listens to the views of the people about public health and involves the capital's citizens in making policies to improve health and reduce inequalities."

Technical details

The MORI poll is the first ever comprehensive attempt to ascertain the views of Londoners about public health. Between 18-30 November 1998, it asked a sample of 603 Londoners aged 16 years and over about their own health and use of health services; the health of London at present and in the future; the things that have the greatest impact on people's health; and what priorities the new Mayor of London should have to make London a healthier place to live in.