As I say in the Star article, ten years of government cuts to essential services in boroughs like ours have had a devastating direct effect on many people, and on the services that are meant to be there to support them.

Among other things, the Marmot Review highlights the very real impact on health and life expectancy of poverty, of poor housing, and of poor employment opportunities.

In addition to the good work highlighted in the Star article by St Helens Council Director of Public Health Sue Forster (good work we’ve achieved despite massive government cuts), that’s why our Labour council has been, and remains, committed to providing a range of new employment opportunities and attracting new employers to the borough, to working with Torus and others to build new, quality, affordable housing in all our communities, and to working with partners from the public, private and third sectors to address the causes of poverty at the root, and not just the symptoms.

For example, later today Councillor Andy Bowden – our St Helens Borough Labour – Working All Year Round spokesperson for Fighting Poverty – will be chairing a poverty summit at the town hall with attendees including the local Citizens Advice Bureau, DWP, foodbank, churches, Torus and others.

Poverty and health are complex issues and only by working together can we get the best results, but the fact is that without government support areas like ours will find it an uphill struggle, and people will continue to suffer.

The Marmot Review is essential reading, and it’s the responsibility of all those in public office to do everything possible to address its conclusions.”