In November 2008, Professor Sir Michael Marmot was asked by the Secretary of State for Health to chair an independent review to propose the most effective evidence-based strategies for reducing health inequalities in England from 2010. The strategy will include policies and interventions that address the social determinants of health inequalities. The Review had four tasks:

1. Identify, for the health inequalities challenge facing England, the evidence most relevant to underpinning future policy and action

2. Show how this evidence could be translated into practice

3. Advise on possible objectives and measures, building on the experience of the current PSA target on infant mortality and life expectancy

4. Publish a report of the Review’s work that will contribute to the development of a post-2010 health inequalities strategy

This publication contains the collective views of the Strategic Review of Health Inequalities in England post-2010, chaired by Professor Sir Michael Marmot, and does not necessarily represent the decisions or the stated policy of the Department of Health. The mention of specific organisations, companies or manufacturers’ products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the Department of Health in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned.