Partners come together to tackle health inequalities, as Merthyr Tydfil begins its journey to become a Marmot Place

On Tuesday 29^th September 2026, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and partners, including Welsh Government, the local health board, third sector charities, education providers, and others, came together to launch Merthyr Tydfil Becoming a Marmot Place.

Becoming a Marmot Place will involve a new collaborative approach to tackling health inequalities affecting residents, with partners working together to improve people’s access to health services, education, employment and housing.  Health inequality is unfair and avoidable, differences in people's health, including how long people are likely to live, live healthy lives, the health conditions they experience and the care available to them. A Marmot Place recognises that health inequalities are shaped by people’s living, learning and working conditions.

Councillor Brent Carter, Leader of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, said: “Achieving health equity for our residents requires improving the conditions which shape their lives, and this requires a joint approach.  By working with partner organisations we will focus on tackling root causes of health inequalities, trying to deliver better health outcomes and creating communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

“Addressing health inequalities requires sustained effort, robust partnerships and an unwavering resolve to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life. By working together across sectors, regions, and all levels of government, we can build on the progress already made and move closer to a more equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

In June 2025 Wales became a Marmot Nation, adopting the eight principles of health equity – and integrating the work with what was already being delivered through the Well-being of Future Generations Act. 

In April of this year, the Welsh Government announced three local authority areas were to become ‘Health Equity 'Marmot' Places’.  Merthyr Tydfil, Denbighshire, and Neath Port Talbot are now receiving a national package of support for two years until April 2028.  The funding is to develop and implement health equity systems in our local areas and spread good practice more widely across Wales. 

We are excited to be part of this journey and look forward to working with partners to address health inequalities across Merthyr Tydfil.