A recent study by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has placed Mendip in the spotlight, revealing significant health and economic disparities across England and Wales.

The analysis uncovers a stark divide in health and wealth, particularly affecting less affluent areas like Mendip.

The study shows that in Mendip, 20.9% of the working-age population is economically inactive - meaning that out a little over one-fifth of the people in Mendip who could potentially be working are not currently engaged in any form of paid employment or job-seeking activities.

It also revealed that a little over 4 out of every 100 people consider their health poor.

These figures rank Mendip 87th out of 330 local authorities.

The research directly links poor health, low productivity, high poverty rates, and persistent unemployment.

A critical finding is that one-fourth of economically inactive individuals are concentrated in just 50 of the 330 areas studied, with rural areas showing higher economic inactivity than more affluent regions.

The IPPR report advocates for gainful employment as a key factor in improving mental and physical health and reducing the risk of early death. However, it also points to a concerning trend of in-work poverty, where 68% of working-age adults in poverty are from households with at least one working adult.

To address these challenges, the IPPR proposes a 'Seven for Seven' framework to lay the foundations for healthy living. The report also suggests establishing Health and Prosperity Improvement Zones (HAPI), empowering them to invest, levy local taxes, and set specific goals in the worst-affected areas.

Professor Donna Hall, IPPR commissioner and former chief executive of Wigan Council, said: 'People working within local government and health services are trapped by a lack of resources, support and agency to serve their local population. People feel unheard and their health is suffering.

'The new HAPI zones would serve as an innovative response to growing poverty and ill-health, put power into the hands of local leaders and ignite local ownership over the future of public health.'

Efua Poku-Amanfo, research fellow at IPPR and lead author of the report, said: 'The case for Government spending and action on health is clear. It's not just the morally right thing to do, it's the economically sensible thing to do.

'Bad health blackspots, especially in the north east and north west of England and the south of Wales, are stifling national economic growth and holding back the wealth and health of the nation.'

A Government spokesman said: 'We are committed to increasing healthy life expectancy by five years by 2035 and narrowing the gap between local areas by 2030, including by investing up to £14.1billion to improve health services and help people live longer, healthier lives.

'Our Major Conditions Strategy will look at the prevention and management of conditions responsible for over 60 per cent of ill health and our plans for a smokefree generation will make a significant difference, with people in more deprived areas almost twice as likely to die for smoking-related conditions.

'Our Back to Work Plan will also help up to a further 1.1million people to look for and stay in work that's suited to their needs including through integrated mental health support such as NHS talking therapies.'