A new report by both the Health Organisation and the Runnymede Trust has spotlighted huge disparities in the building blocks of according to ethnicity.

A healthy society is dependent on a strong foundation of good quality of life, including secure and decent housing, a good, well-paid jobs, high-quality education and healthy neighbourhoods. This ensures that people have a solid frame to withstand life’s shocks and challenges.

Too many people do not have access to the building blocks of health largely because of where they live and their socioeconomic background. Those living in the most deprived ten per cent of areas in England can expect to live between 7.7 (women) and 9.4 (men) fewer years than people in the least deprived.

This new report has found large and unacceptable variations in people’s experiences of the building blocks of health according to ethnicity.

Compared with a quarter of white children, around three in five Bangladeshi and Pakistani children, and over half of Black children, live in poverty after housing costs. Furthermore, people of colour on average have lower incomes, with 51 per cent of Bangladeshi, 45 per cent of Pakistani and 38 per cent of Black households are in the lowest fifth of income distribution. Only 18 per cent of White British households fall into this category, a stark difference.

Ethnic minorities are more likely to live in poor-quality, overcrowded, unaffordable homes, particularly in the private rental market, and are also more likely to experience homelessness.

Moreover, communities of colour do not have equal access to a healthy external living environment, such as access to green space and clean air.

The reasons for these differences are complex, with socioeconomic background, migration and history, and geography all having the ability to compound disadvantage.

This report looks at ways racism operates within the everyday structures of society, the labour market, housing systems, and lived environment — which all have an impact on someone’s overall health. Ethnic minorities in general are more limited in their opportunities to be healthy.

It is important that health agendas address the impact of unequal access to the building blocks of health on different communities and recognise racism as a key factor in determining health. In order to establish a fairer, healthier society, these deep-rooted inequalities must be addressed.