Men in poor parts of Kent will die seven years earlier than those in affluent areas, a stark new survey has revealed.

The life expectancy in males in deprived districts of the county is 76 years compared to 83 where they live in well-to-do places.

Unhealthy lifestyles including a poor diet, smoking and a lack of exercise are major contributory factors in early deaths.

The report also warns that a squeeze on public health funding will continue to put the risk factors up. Difficulties in recruitment is also causing headaches in delivery.

Kent County Council's Health Reform and Public Health cabinet committee considered a report detailing the risks facing the county.

The Full Risk Register states: "The average life expectancy in the most deprived...areas in Kent is 76 years for men and 80 years in women, compared to 83 years and 86 years respectively in the most affluent areas.

"These inequalities will lead to rising health and social care costs for the council and its partners amongst those groups least able to support themselves financially."

Thanet KCC member Barry Lewis said he was "not shocked" by the report's findings.

Cllr Lewis said: "When people's budgets are tight they will be forced to eat cheap, unhealthy foods. Premature deaths are always linked to places where deprivation is highest.

"But having said that the NHS in Thanet is not fit for purpose any more under this government and the prevention message is not getting through.

"Plus people are struggling to get GP appointments so early diagnosis isn't happening either."

Reduced screening and non-delivery of NHS health checks may prevent earlier identification of health issues.

The report states the link between unhealthy lifestyles and early deaths.

It says: "These areas have high rates of premature mortality (deaths occurring under the age of 75 years) due to causes such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and alcohol-related disease and cancer; causes that are strongly linked to unhealthy behaviours such as poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking and excessive alcohol.

"The risk is that while health is improving in general, these communities' health would not improve at the same rate as less deprived communities."

The report identifies a problem with recruitment into public health roles.

It says: "Kent is currently experiencing issues across all commissioned services in recruiting good quality staff which is making it difficult in meeting the needs of the population that require Public Health Services.

"Training opportunities are not necessarily available to nurses. The role of the health visiting service is needing to respond to more complex needs alongside government policy change.

"Kent's proximity to neighbouring local authorities in maintaining salaries at a competitive level, especially with those within the London."