The needs component of the current formulae for allocating resources for hospital services and prescribing in England is based on a utilisation approach. This assumes that expenditure on NHS activity in different geographical areas reflects relative needs and supply conditions, and that these...

Reducing avoidable inequalities in health is a priority in many health care systems, including the NHS in Great Britain. Evidence suggests that lifestyle factors may play a role in explaining socioeconomic inequalities in health. In this paper we measure the contribution of smoking and obesity...