Next steps for Wales’ Marmot Nation announced

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council is one of five local authority areas to receive funding to become a trailblazer for the ‘Marmot Nation’ ambition, announced at a Health Equity Summit in Cardiff (Tuesday 24 February).

A national package of support will be provided to Denbighshire, Merthyr Tydfil, and Neath Port Talbot councils for two years from April. The funding will develop and implement health equity systems in the three areas and spread good practice more widely across Wales.

The Welsh Government will also fund two additional early adopters (Cardiff and Rhondda Cynon Taf) to release capacity within the local authorities to share learning and innovative practices. 

In June 2025, Wales became the world's first 'Marmot Nation', adopting Sir Michael Marmot's eight principles to tackle health inequalities.

Jeremy Miles, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, said:

“In Wales, deep-seated health inequalities have led to worse outcomes in terms of the quality of life, long term health conditions, and life expectancy simply because of where someone is born and where they grow up.

“This national approach shows we are committed to tacking inequality and closing the gap so people in neighbouring communities can grow up with the same life chances and the same life expectancies.”

Wales is already well-positioned for this work through the Well-being of Future Generations Act, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.

Derek Walker, the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales said:

“The level of inequality we see in Wales today is unacceptable. It is damaging lives, putting unsustainable pressure on our public services, and shortening life expectancy. If we fail to act now, these harms and costs will only accelerate.

“That is why, in my Future Generations Report, I called for Wales to become a Marmot nation. The Marmot approach mirrors the ambition of our Well-being of Future Generations Act by tackling the root causes of poor health — poverty, insecure housing, unequal access to education, and limited access to nature. This is about prevention, fairness, and long-term resilience

“We already know Marmot places work. In places like Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent, public services are being redesigned alongside communities and the voluntary sector, to deliver better outcomes and better value. I therefore welcome today’s announcement by the Welsh Government to support new Marmot places as well as early adopters.

“Marmot work is rooted in local places — but it must not remain limited to a small number of areas. Now is the time to ensure it works for everyone in Wales. My team and I will work closely with Welsh Government to embed this as a national commitment and framework.”

Councillor Brent Carter, Leader of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, said:

“This is wonderful news for Merthyr Tydfil, and we are grateful to Welsh Government for the opportunity to become part of the Wales Marmot Nation.

“This funding will go towards giving the children and young people in Merthyr Tydfil the best start in life and help develop healthy and sustainable places in our communities.”