Tackling Health Inequalities Since the Acheson Inquiry

In 1997 the Independent Inquiry into Inequalities in Health led by Sir Donald Acheson was commissioned to conduct a review of the latest available information on inequalities in health and to identify priority areas for future policy development to reduce health inequalities. This timely report reviews the progress made by the government, its agencies and others to implement the recommendations of that Inquiry. The report also examines the ways in which the UK government has sought to formulate and implement policies to tackle health inequalities. Tackling health inequalities since the Acheson Inquiry: describes policies in relation to the Inquiry's recommendations; examines the policy context with emphasis on the content and chronology of current policies; presents three case studies, focusing on policy developments in contrasting sectors - tax and benefit reform, performance management and transport; considers interpretations of progress and offers recommendations for future policy making. This report will be invaluable to researchers interested in health inequalities and in public policy. It is also aimed at practitioners and policy makers who are involved in designing and implementing policies to tackle health inequalities.