The data shows major built-up areas had the highest age-standardised mortality rates (ASMRs) for all ethnic groups except for the Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Black African, Black Other, Arab and Any Other Ethnic Group ethnic groups, whose highest ASMRs were predominantly in the small and minor, and large and medium built-up areas (BUAs).

The small and minor BUA had the lowest age-standardised rate for having bad and very bad self-reported health, while London had the lowest age-standardised rate among disabled people.

ASMRs between March 2021 and May 2023 were lower in London than with other BUAs.

In small and minor BUAs, the Bangladeshi ethnic group had the highest ASMR and the Chinese ethnic group had the lowest, while in major BUAs, the White British ethnic group had the highest ASMR and the Black African ethnic group had the lowest.

The White British ethnic group generally had the highest ASMRs (major BUAs and London) or was among the highest (small and minor BUAs and large and medium BUAs).

Veena Raleigh, senior fellow at The King's Fund said: ‘Today's findings add to the growing evidence of entrenched health inequalities in England's unequal society, and the adverse and widespread impact of deprivation on health. Reducing health inequalities, and the socio-economic inequalities that drive them in people of all ethnicities, must be an urgent priority for the new government.' 

A DHSC spokesperson said: ‘Lord Darzi's report revealed the appalling state of the NHS. This Government is taking immediate action to get it back on its feet and will create a 10-Year Plan to make it fit for the future.

‘We will fundamentally reform the health system through three big shifts – from hospital to the community, analogue to digital and treatment to prevention.

‘We will create a healthier society while ensuring patients receive the highest quality care when and where they need it.'