Life expectancy in England rebounds after years of stagnation

Figures reveal surprise jump in longevity which is biggest increase since start of decade

Life expectancy in England surged in 2019 for both men and women, in a surprise rebound after years of stagnation, according to official government figures. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said life expectancy for women at birth increased to 83.6 years in 2019, up four months compared with 2018. For men the increase was three months, taking their life expectancy to 79.9 years.

The rises represent the biggest jump since the start of the decade. Longevity improvements in England first faltered in 2011 and had plateaued since 2013, with critics blaming austerity and NHS cuts. Among women, life expectancy fell in both 2012 and 2015.

Related: Discrimination link to health inequalities | Letter

Related: It's official: Tory austerity has stifled the lives of young and poor Britons | Nick Cohen