Concerns have been raised over worsening inequalities and life expectancy across Darlington. 

The difference between people living in the best and worst areas across Darlington is 10.6 years for women and 13 years for men, new figures show. 

Children born in different areas of the borough have very different life chances and opportunities, Darlington Borough Council warned. The worrying admission came as the North East saw the highest increase in child poverty over much of the previous decade.

“We face long-term challenges that need long-term commitments,” the council added.

Green Party leader Matthew Snedker shared his concern with the news at a full council meeting on Thursday. 

“The fact it’s natural for there to be a 13-year life expectancy deficit across this town I find disgusting. 

“That’s almost one-fifth of their life, affecting their quality of life capacity, is that something to be joyful about? I find it offensive.”

The local authority approved its latest Council Plan on Thursday, which includes “long-term ambitions and priorities” for the borough. 

Included in the plan is a commitment to ensuring everyone has the opportunity for a good job, home, and social connections - the building blocks of good health.

“We are committed to making Darlington fairer and greener for everyone, building on opportunities and successes and facing up to the difficult challenges,” the report said. 

“We want opportunities to be accessible to everyone. We will have a long-term focus on understanding and addressing the causes of inequality ensuring our communities are safe and can thrive.”

However, the council faces unparalleled financial challenges. Reductions in public spending between 2010 and 2019 meant that its budget was reduced by £46m in real terms, a 36 per cent reduction. High inflation and a significant increase in demand for adult and children’s services are challenging to manage. 

The report added: “We face competing priorities – a need to address rising inequalities in our communities, at a time when we face an unparalleled reduction in the council’s budget – and so means we face challenging times.  

“Our plan sets out six priorities for the council for the next three years: economy, homes, living well, children and young people, communities, and the local environment.”

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Cllr Snedker says local authorities should receive more funding from the government to overcome the challenges. 

“We have a huge task ahead of us. The money is out there, it needs to be sent to local authorities who know our communities best, and we are close to them. We have the skills and expertise to deliver. 

“I will be calling for full long-term funding, not one-year settlements, and not having to beg for money from a grant.”