Richer men in Blackburn with Darwen are living more than 10 years longer than the poorest.

On average, the most deprived men in the borough die aged 68.8 while men from the wealthiest fifth of the area’s population can expect to live to 80.2 years – 11.4 years longer.

The gap in life expectancy between the most and least deprived men in the borough is among the largest in England.

Data from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities shows that across 2020 and 2021, the average life expectancy for men in Blackburn with Darwen stood at 74.3 years.

Meanwhile, average life expectancy for women in Blackburn with Darwen was 79.5 years in 2020 and 2021.

Blackburn with Darwen's average male life expectancy was below the national average of 78.7 years.

The main contributor to this inequality for Blackburn with Darwen men was Covid-19 – which caused 304 male deaths over the two-year period and reduced life expectancy by 1.2 years when compared to England as a whole.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said tackling health disparities is a "priority" for the Government.

Director of Public Health for Blackburn with Darwen, Abdul Razaq said: “Since the start of the pandemic Blackburn with Darwen has the seventh-highest cumulative case rate of the lower tier local authorities in the UK.

"As of June 3 there have been 575 deaths in Blackburn with Darwen where COVID was mentioned on the death certificate.

“This is a rate of 383.3 per 100,000 people, the 42nd highest of the lower tier local authorities in the UK.

"Blackburn with Darwen Council is working with a range of partner organisations to ensure that all residents access our preventative services such as NHS health checks, COVID and flu vaccination, screening programmes, mental health support and stop smoking services.

“We have a continual health equity lens to ensure that our services are delivered for residents enabling them to take up the offer of preventative services.”