Some local authorities in England are not doing enough to prevent health problems in children under the age of five, a report suggests.
The National Children’s Bureau says it found wide variations in levels of obesity and tooth decay, even in areas of similar deprivation.
The charity said it was “shocking” children could have “wildly different” health prospects depending on location.
The government said it showed the need to devolve health spending locally.
The report, which analysed data from Public Health England, showed 51% of five-year-olds in Leicester tooth decay compared with 9.5% of five-year-olds in West Sussex. Childhood health problems 150,000+ More on this story.
Children learn about keeping their teeth clean at Stretch-n-Grow
five-year-olds are affected by tooth decay
