Infant mortality rates among children from less-privileged, ethnic minority families are significantly higher than the national average, studies show.
Research published in the British Medical Journal has found that despite government efforts to reduce the gap in infant mortality, infant death remains high in poorer parts of England.
The data show that the rates of infant and perinatal (death before, during or shortly after birth) mortality remain high, with deprivation, maternal age and ethnicity accounting for 80.5 per cent of the differences between primary care trusts (PCTs).
PCTs with the worst infant mortality rates were given 'Spearhead' status by the government. But researchers looked at all PCTs in England, comparing mortality rates alongside ethnicity, deprivation, maternal age and spending on maternal services, as well as Spearhead status.
Over a three-year study period, they found that rates of infant mortality varied by PCT from 1.4 to 10.83 deaths per 1,000 live births, and perinatal mortality varied from 3.93 to 16.66 per 1,000 births.
Variation in spending on maternal services did not explain any of the differences seen; however, a combination of deprivation, ethnicity and maternal age explained 80.5 per cent of the differences in outcome between PCTs.
Two of the PCTs researchers looked into had higher-than-expected perinatal mortality, but no Spearhead status. The researchers say that local scrutiny is required in these cases.
'On the basis of these findings, most PCTs can be confident that the social conditions and ethnicity of the communities they serve are more important determinants of these particular health outcomes than current variation in levels of expenditure on maternity services,' the authors said.
'Nevertheless, the absolute rates of infant and perinatal mortality remain high in parts of England, and the burden of avoidable deaths remains largely with deprived communities and ethnic minorities.'
However, the Department of Health has responded to the report by insisting that infant mortality is at its lowest rate ever.
A spokesperson said: 'We welcome this report. Safety and quality are at the heart of our vision for maternity services and we will continue work to reduce infant mortality and perinatal mortality. Latest data shows that infant mortality is at the lowest rate ever at 4.6 deaths per 1,000 live births.'