Marmot Council

Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent Councils are proud to be the first Marmot Councils in Wales. 

We want a future without inequality, where everyone can thrive in a fair, inclusive, and resilient community 

We’re committed to a bold and important ambition: to reduce health inequalities and improve the lives of everyone in our communities – no matter where they live, what they earn, or what background they come from. 

What is a Marmot Council? 

The term comes from the work of Professor Sir Michael Marmot, a leading expert on health inequality.  

His research shows the conditions people are born into, grow, live, work, and age – like housing, education, income, and jobs – have a huge impact on their health and wellbeing. 

We’re putting this thinking into action by: 

• Tackling the root causes of poor health, not just the symptoms
• Making fairness a core part of how decisions are made
• Working with partners, across services and with local people to create better opportunities for everyone
• Building a healthier, more equal future for the next generation.

Why this matters 

Right now, people in some parts of our communities live significantly shorter and less healthy lives than others – often just a few miles apart. We believe this isn’t inevitable. It’s unfair, and it’s something we can change. 

We’re using the latest evidence and working to shape policies and services that address Marmot Principles: 

• Give every child the best start in life 
• Enable all children, young people and adults to maximise their capabilities and have control over their lives 
• Create fair employment and good work for all 
• Ensure a healthy standard of living for all 
• Create and develop healthy sustainable places and communities 
• Strengthen the role and impact of ill health prevention 
• Tackle racism and discrimination and their outcomes 
• Pursue environmental sustainability and health equity together 

The Welsh Government has recently announced that Wales is the first Marmot Nation in the world – a significant milestone. Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent have been at the forefront of this journey, leading the way and showing what’s possible when fairness becomes a priority. 

What happens next? 

Becoming a Marmot Council is not a one-off project – it’s a long-term commitment. We’ll keep working with partners, listening to our communities, and taking bold action to make life fairer and healthier for all. 

Together, we’re building a future so where you live does not determine how well or how long you live.