A new Audit Commission briefing, Healthy Balance, published today examines the progress on improving health and reducing health inequalities in England and where the money has been spent.
The Commission estimates that the NHS allocated £21bn to primary care trusts (PCTs) in In 2009-10 to reflect differences in health inequalities.
Overall health improvements include cuts in infant mortality and increases in life expectancy. But they have coincided with a widening gap between the poor and the better off.
Among its conclusions, the Commission suggests there may have been too much policy and guidance for PCTs and local authorities to keep up with.
Andy McKeon, the Audit Commission's Managing Director, Health, said: 'We know the health of the nation is improving. But variation in the health of people living in different parts of the country remains stark. Comparisons can be striking. While teenage pregnancy drops by 38% in one town, it rises by 14% in a neighbouring town.
"Billions are directed to deprived areas. But it is not always clear how much has actually been spent on reducing health inequalities, and what the impact of this or that programme has been. Progress is often disappointing."
He said the Audit Commission wanted to open discussions on some fundamental questions about improving the nation's health and tackling health inequalities because public spending will be more constrained in the years ahead.
The new Oneplace website shows public health outcomes across England.
