Health outcomes in the UK reveal deep regional inequalities. Compared with many parts of England, people in Yorkshire and the Humber typically live shorter lives and spend fewer years in good health. The life expectancy gap with the South East stretches over several years, and the difference in healthy life expectancy is even greater. Infant mortality in Yorkshire and the Humber is 5.1 per 1,000 live births, well above the national average of 3.9.
Health outcomes in Yorkshire and the Humber
A recent Health Foundation article entitled ‘Will devolution deliver on health and growth?’ finds that central government has failed to bridge these health divides. Health depends on the quality of housing, jobs, transport, education, and the local environment – areas where Whitehall policies consistently fall short. Westminster’s centralised decisions have slashed public health services and imposed housing policies that do not address Yorkshire’s needs.
Yorkshire must seize control over public health, transport, housing, and skills, so that it can direct investment to where it is most needed. Devolution is Yorkshire’s strongest opportunity to confront entrenched inequalities and shape our own economic destiny – rather than waiting for London.
The White Rose Agreement
Yorkshire is divided into four combined authorities: West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, York & North Yorkshire, and Hull & East Yorkshire. Currently, these authorities vary widely in ability and the importance they place on improving and evaluating health outcomes. This is why they should work together in the White Rose Agreement, a pan-Yorkshire approach, recognising that deprivation and poor health outcomes don’t stop at administrative borders.
So far, Hull & East Yorkshire’s mayor, Reform UK Ltd’s Luke Campbell, has not formally joined the group, which is disappointing. South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said:
“I’m sorry to say that despite our best efforts, we’ve not been able to convince Luke Campbell to sign up to that agreement on behalf of Hull and East Yorkshire. It is in the best interests of Yorkshire to work together to fight our corner.
“I firmly believe that when we work together, we’re a powerhouse and better able to bring a whole range of benefits to our communities. So, we will continue to do our best to reach out to Luke and East Yorkshire wherever we can, but I’m disappointed we haven’t been able to work together more formally and show a united Yorkshire front to the government.”
We need a united push for real devolution
It is my firm belief that our Yorkshire mayors should now negotiate a formal agreement between combined authorities, the NHS, universities and community groups to reduce health inequalities. This agreement should demand devolved powers and funding, set shared targets for healthy life expectancy and infant mortality, and pool resources for cross-border projects.
Pilot schemes could be launched in the most deprived areas of the region, demonstrating how devolution can be used to improve people’s lives. With real powers, transparent reporting, and community involvement, Yorkshire could demonstrate to the rest of England what genuine levelling up looks like.
Centralised policymaking has failed Yorkshire, leaving us poorer and less healthy. Only real, large-scale devolution can close the longstanding health and prosperity gaps for our communities. Devolution is not just desirable; it’s essential.
A united Yorkshire, including Hull & East Yorkshire Combined Authority, would be far harder for Westminster to ignore. With a pan-Yorkshire deal, we can finally lift our communities out of ill health and deprivation.
Yorkshire has waited long enough. It’s time to take control of our health and our future.
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