The disparity between the 'haves' and the 'have-nots' in this country is something that has permeated British consciousness since the industrial revolution.

It's epitomised by the Two Ronnies class sketch, featuring John Cleese, where stereotypical members of the English class system literally and metaphorically look up, or down, at each other.

It's unfortunate then, that in 2020 wealth inequality is still a huge factor in the life chances of British people.

It can affect which schools kids get in to, which universities they attend, which professions they enter when they graduate, and more.

Research from the Sutton Trust last year found that even though there has been progress made in social mobility, those from privately educated backgrounds (just 7% of the population) still dominate the top jobs in law, medicine, journalism, the civil service and politics.

It's even more disappointing then, more than 70 years since the creation of the NHS, to see that wealth inequality still plays a huge part in health and lifespan.

As we reveal on page two, health chiefs believe that the reason Barrow's coronavirus death rate is well above the national average is because of the region's poverty levels.

In a highly developed, first world country, that's hard to justify.