The key goals and objectives of a Health Equity Town (Marmot Town) are to reduce unfair and unjust inequalities in health.  This is done by enabling children, young people, and adults to have a healthy standard of living, by creating fair employment, and developing sustainable places and communities, allowing them to have more control over their lives.

A Marmot place is one which has a significant commitment to tackle health inequalities through action on the social determinants of health - the social and economic conditions which shape our health - and has strong and effective plans and policies to achieve these reductions in health inequalities. 

Find out more on Luton Council’s website

There is no real difference; Health Equity Town aims for fair and just opportunities for their residents to attain their optimal health, same as a Marmot Town.  The Marmot Town report is based on an assessment of data and local evidence, with recommendations, written by Professor Sir Michael Marmot.  You can find out about Professor Sir Michael Marmot here; https://www.instituteofhealthequity.org/about-us/about-professor-sir-michael-marmot

Health inequalities are unfair and avoidable differences in health between different groups within society.  These differences include how long people are likely to live, the health conditions they may experience and the care that is available to them.  For example, someone on a lower wage may reside in poorer quality housing conditions, and due to less income can mean not being able to afford fresh healthy food, compared to others on a higher salary with more income who has a high standard of life.

Social determinants are non-medical factors that influence outcomes of health.  There are lots of elements that affect this, including where someone is born, grows up, works, and lives, their age, and it also includes other things that shape daily life.

The recommended actions in the Marmot report, cover the main social determinants of health and are known as the ‘Marmot Eight’ principles:

1.  Give every child the best start in life.
2.  Enable all children, young people and adults to maximise their capabilities and have control over their lives.
3. Create fair employment and good work for all.
4. Ensure a healthy standard of living for all.
5. Create and develop healthy and sustainable places and communities.
6. Strengthen the role and impact of ill health prevention.
7. Tackle racism, discrimination and their outcomes.
8. Pursue environmental sustainability and health equity together.

You can find out more information about Health Equity Towns (Marmot Towns) on the Institute of Health Equity here;  https://www.instituteofhealthequity.org/

You can also find out more about Professor Sir Michael Marmot here;  https://www.instituteofhealthequity.org/about-us/about-professor-sir-michael-marmot

Case studies should be sent to our healthequitytown@luton.gov.uk mailbox, where you can also send any questions, comments or feedback that you may have.

Please see template for submitting your case study