Creating an Active Black Country - a strategy to unite the Black Country to create active, healthier people and places - read more
Skip to main content

Health on the high street

Title
Health on the high street

Research Area
Health; Economy    

Author
Royal Society for Public Health

Summary of Findings
This report seeks to rate high streets throughout the UK to find the healthiest and least healthy based on the businesses present in each one. Of further interest, the information used to collate this data is also examines public perceptions of each type of business. According to the report some of the businesses that add value to the high street include libraries, pubs & bars, leisure centres, health services, pharmacies and health clubs. Those that have a negative impact include payday lenders and fast food takeaways.

Leisure centres and health clubs have a clear link to tackling physical inactivity while libraries, pharmacies and other health services (for example GPs and health centres) are often locations for information sharing/signposting. Pubs & bars are seen as having both a positive and negative effect on the high street with the report suggesting that they can become "hubs for community life". They can impact physical activity through pub sports teams but also through "supportive social relationships" which can improve mental health and healthy behaviour. Similarly fast food takeaways have a well known negative impact on overall health and risk of obesity. The report suggests that payday lending may also contribute to poor health as their customers can end up in a cycle of debt which can negatively impact physical health. The report suggests that the health of high streets and the prevalence of the unhealthy businesses appears to be related to deprivation, potentially adding to existing health inequalities.

The report goes on to look at what can be done to improve the health of high streets by suggesting a cap/restriction on the number of unhealthy businesses, clearer information for customers (for example on the impact of debt) and upskilling of staff so they can signpost to services that improve health. There is discussion on whether this is the responsibility of the local government or if wider national changes need to be made to reduce the negative impacts on health.

Implications
Considerations for policy makers and local government on how to manage the high street and the potential impact on residents' health. This area of study had led to the suggestion that it is easier to open unhealthy takeaways than gyms due to current property use rules.