If you live in Dartford you’re 29% more likely to die from avoidable causes, a study has revealed.

Research undertaken by the Centre for Progressive Policy (CPP) identified the borough as one of 32 NHS ‘risk zones’ across the country where the NHS trusts are dealing with cuts alongside low-life expectancy.

The town, alongside Medway, made the list due to the unprecedented financial pressure and severe funding cuts to health services coupled with the high levels of deprivation.

The average male life expectancy in borough is lower than the national average.

In 2012 to 2014, the latest authority-specific figures available, life expectancy for boys from birth in the UK was 79.5 while girls were expect to live 83.2 years.

As of 2014 boys in Dartford were expected to live 79.3 years and girls 82.4 years.

Avoidable deaths include those caused by lifestyle choices such as alcohol abuse, smoking or obesity.

Stella Jones, communications manager from NHS Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley CCG said: “We are aware health inequalities exist within our CCG area, along with many other CCG areas across the country, and are we constantly working to tackle these as priorities.2

She added services available in the borough are carefully monitored to ensure they are providing good care and using funds effectively.

Dartford MP, Gareth Johnson, said: “I have never disputed we have challenges in Dartford due to the growing population but funding per patient in Dartford is at record levels and investment in our NHS is also at record levels.

“This has helped life expectancy in Dartford to compare favourably with the UK as a whole.”

Chief executive of Medway Foundation Trust, Leslie Dwyer said: “When I first saw the headline figures it is quite startling but when I read further it makes a lot of sense and this is what we live everyday.

“If you have an increased burden of disease and health need and you are in a system that has a focus of primary care through availability of GP access and they are overwhelmed as well, you are going to turn up at the emergency department and you are going to put a trust under pressure.

“That is then going to be played out into how much money the trust is going to receive and what we have to put in place to deliver care to an increasing number of people.”