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Performance measures for tackling health inequalities are to be introduced in a move to improve the health of disadvantaged groups.

The measures, announced by health secretary John Reid last week, will be included in guidance for local strategic partnerships as part of the government's plan to tackle health inequalities in England.

"For too long we have been prepared to tolerate glaring differences in health between different parts of our country and different groups within it," Reid said.

Andrew Cozens, senior vice-president of the Association of Directors of Social Services, said the report's comments on one-stop shops and primary care focusing on young people were "broad hints" on the content of the forthcoming green paper on children.

www.doh.gov.uk/healthinequalities/programmeforaction