A £4.7 MILLION research centre will be set up to examine problems caused by health inequality in Bradford.

And findings from the research carried out in the district could help shape national health policies.

Bradford’s health inequalities have been well publicised in recent years, with one health expert claiming life expectancy drops by two years for every mile between Bingley and inner-city Bradford.

The National Institute for Health and Care Research will be funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, and was announced yesterday.

The centre will bring together health partners across the district and region, including Bradford Council, Bradford Institute for Health Research and The Universities of Bradford and York to conduct in-depth research into the causes and consequences of health inequality.

It will assess the impact of work that has already been done to try and address inequality.

People in more affluent areas of Bradford enjoy "21 more years of good health" than those in poorer areas

Announcing the funding, a Bradford Council spokesman said: “On average, the life expectancy of someone living in Bradford’s wealthiest areas can be as much as 11 years longer than someone in its poorest.

“Living in near busy streets and fast-food outlets and a lack of green space can lead to poor health in children.

The funding will be used to employ dedicated researchers, policy makers and support staff for the next five years, as well as establishing an online presence and annual conference so that their findings can be shared nationally.

Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said: “It is simply unacceptable that in 21st century Britain we have such huge gaps in health equality. To address these inequalities, we need high quality research into its causes and understanding of interventions.

"Few local authorities currently possess the capacity to undertake research of the type and rigour required to find out what really works and deliver large scale impact on health inequalities. This funding will help us to gather that evidence and implement policies and practice that work.”

One recent example of research done in Bradford that has helped to shape policy is the Born in Bradford study carried out by Bradford Institute for Health Research.

Professor John Wright, Director at the Bradford Institute for Health Research, said: “One of the key lessons from all the evidence that has come from Born in Bradford is how important wider determinants such as housing, built environment and education are for good health and wellbeing. The HDRC will embed science and research at the heart of the local authority and provide the next crucial step in our journey to building Bradford as a City of Research.”