The Welsh Government has announced three local authority areas are to become ‘Health Equity 'Marmot' Places’. 

Denbighshire, Merthyr Tydfil, and Neath Port Talbot local authorities are to receive a national package of support for two years from April. The funding is to develop and implement health equity systems in their local areas and spread good practice more widely across Wales. 

The Welsh Government is also funding two additional early adopters (Cardiff and Rhondda Cynon Taf) to release capacity within their local authorities to build a community of practice to share learning and innovative practices. 

In June 2025 Wales became a ‘Marmot Nation’, adopting the eight principles for health equity. The work to reduce health inequalities across the nation is being done through the Well-being of Future Generations Act. 

Wales joins Scotland in taking a national approach to tackling health inequalities through action on the social determinants of health. In England more than 60 local places are either working with, or have worked with, the IHE as health equity ‘Marmot’ places. 

Despite all the evidence and effective actions, commitment is still lacking from the UK central government. As such, lives are cut short as health continues to deteriorate and health inequalities widen.