The Marmot review has reported that those poorest in society live on average seven years less than the most wealthy.

A new report has highlighted the health inequalities that exist in England and found that, on average, the nation’s poorest people live seven years less than the wealthiest in society, and also suffer from illness or disability for ten years prior to that – a total of 2.5 million years of life lost overall.

The report, Fair Society, Healthy Lives, was independently carried out by Sir Michael Marmot from University College London (UCL), and shows a significant social gradient in the nation’s health.

It found that the annual cost of these health inequalities amount to in excess of £70.5 billion – £33 billion in lost productivity, lost taxes and higher welfare payments of up to £32 billion, and £5.5 billion in additional NHS costs.

The report put forward many recommendations, including: parenting support programmes to ensure children have the very best start to their early lives; building closer links between families and schools; creating fair employment; and ensuring a healthy standard of living for everyone – currently, only 4% of NHS spending is spent on prevention work.

Sir Michael said: “There will be those who say that our recommendations cannot be afforded, particularly in the current economic climate. We say that it is inaction that cannot be afforded, the economic and more importantly human costs are simply too high.

“The health and wellbeing of today’s children, and of those children when they become adults, depend on us having the courage and imagination to do things differently, to put sustainability and well-being before a narrow focus on economic growth and bring about a more equal and fair society.”

The government has welcomed the report. UK Health Secretary Andy Burnham said: “It is not right that where we live can dictate the state of our health. Everyone should have an equal chance at good health. Sir Michael has previously acknowledged our tremendous achievements – that the health of everyone has significantly improved over the last 10 years, and infant mortality is at an all-time low. The report shows us there is still much to do.”

Speaking on BBC Radio 4, Sir Michael defended the notion that the recommendations were all about money: “We think the quality of nurturing in early childhood is vital – and that’s not just about money, it’s about good parenting and support to parents… The cost of doing nothing is simply insupportable.”