Premature deaths in Luton are more common than in any of the surrounding areas, according to data published by Longer Lives on Tuesday (June 11).
Luton was ranked 108th out of 150 local authorities in England, with a total of 1,602 premature deaths (people under the age of 75) in 2009-2011.
The data was mapped by Longer Lives online using a traffic light system, ranging from red for the worst areas to green for the best.
Luton is the only red area in the region, flanked by Herts, Central Beds and Buckinghamshire which are all green.
Local authorities were put in charge of public health and spending in April this year.
Gerry Taylor, director of public health for Luton, said: “We know poverty and deprivation is an issue in parts of Luton which has a significant knock-on effect on people’s health and wellbeing. Public health becoming part of the local authority is giving us a better opportunity to focus on a whole range of issues affecting health including education, employment and the physical environment, as well as supporting people to make healthy lifestyle decisions and live longer lives.”
Early deaths tend to be caused by major killers such as heart disease, stroke and cancer. Luton has a high rate of heart disease deaths in the country, ranked 118th out of 149, but has the second lowest rate for liver disease deaths compared to similar local authorities.
A Luton Borough Council spokesman said: “Although the mortality rates from heart disease and stroke has decreased by 37 per cent over the last 10 years, it remains higher than the national average. Our key priorities are finding ways to help local people to live longer and healthier lives and reduce such inequalities. Luton’s health and wellbeing strategy include a health checks programme, healthy weight programme, health champion programmes and Tobacco Free Luton.”
The place you’re most likely to end up in an early grave is in Manchester, which has 455 deaths per 1000 of the population, compared to Luton’s 307.
For a long life, head to Wokingham in Berkshire, the best in the country with only 200 premature deaths per 1000.