I AM writing in response to the headlines last week comparing health in Tranmere to that of North Korea.
No-one would deny that there is a very real challenge for Wirral in tackling heath inequalities, but the figures issued nationally by Public Health England related mostly to Rock Ferry, and were issued with significant caveats about how they should be interpreted.
The information is not the most up-to-date position which indicates that the overall life expectancy for Tranmere is 74.8 years and for Rock Ferry is 74.1 years.
Given the media reports of atrocities in North Korea, it was extremely distasteful to make such a comparison.
We are working hard as a council to try and improve opportunities for people in our most disadvantaged communities and will continue to do so.
Councillor Phil Davies, leader of Wirral Council
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