WOMEN in York’s richest wards live almost eight years longer than those in its poorest.

A new report provides a snapshot of the health of people in the city, as well as the disparities facing residents.

While York is rated as well above the national average for health, wellbeing and happiness, the benefits of living in the city do not extend to everyone.

The difference in life expectancy between the most and least deprived wards is 7.7 years for women and five years for men. In particular, people who experience mental ill health are still not consistently getting the services they need, the council’s health and well-being strategy for the next five years outlines.

Following a consultation with 1,200 York residents, the strategy sets out four themes for improving health, including spotting and intervening in the early stages of mental ill health, offering better support for the first 1001 days of a child’s life, especially in vulnerable communities, and promoting workplace health and remove barriers to employment.

York also needs to focus on reducing loneliness and isolation for older people.

Cllr Carol Runciman, executive member for health and adult social care, said: “This strategy seeks to ensure that every resident in York enjoys the best possible health and well-being. The report sets out our priorities for the city’s health and well-being over the next five years. The publication of this strategy follows extensive engagement and I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the new strategy which focuses on all residents, young and old.”

York’s population is now estimated to be just over 200,000 people. The city has become more culturally and religiously diverse with a black and minority ethnic (BME) population of 9.8 per cent compared to 4.9 per cent in 2001.

Nearly 12 per cent of children in York were living in poverty in 2015. Meanwhile, York has an estimated 2,717 people with dementia and this is expected to rise to 3,503 by 2025.

The council report outlines the need to promote better independence, build community based support, support self care and to imaginatively use new technology.