England’s poorest areas are fast food hotspots

England’s poorest areas are fast food hotspots, with five times more outlets found in these communities than in the most affluent. The data also suggests that fast food outlets, including chip shops, burger bars and pizza places, account for more than a quarter (26 per cent) of all eateries in England.

The local environment has a major influence on our behaviours and streets crowded with fast food outlets can influence our food choices, and many fast food outlets currently have no or little nutritional information in-store. Children exposed to these outlets, whether out with friends or on their way home from school, may find it more difficult to choose healthier options.

The new figures also show a variation in the number of fast food outlets across England, ranging from zero in some wards to over 100 in others.

Many local authorities across England have acted to address their food environment and Public Health England (PHE) is encouraging them to learn from each other. At least 40 areas have developed policies to restrict the growth of new takeaways and fast food outlets, and PHE has helped develop stronger planning guidance to support other areas in doing this.