North Yorkshire Mayor Outlines Plan for New Health Powers

October 9, 2026 - 15:48

The mayor of North Yorkshire, David Skaith, has set out how he intends to use newly devolved health powers to improve outcomes across the region. The Labour mayor delivered a keynote speech on public health at an event in York, where he addressed local leaders, health officials and community groups.

Skaith said the transfer of health responsibilities from Westminster to the region marks a significant shift in how decisions are made. He argued that local leaders understand the specific challenges facing their communities better than officials in London, and that devolution would allow for faster and more targeted action.

The mayor pointed to inequalities in life expectancy and access to care between urban and rural parts of North Yorkshire. He said the new powers would let the region coordinate housing, transport and health policy more closely, since those areas all shape public health outcomes.

Skaith also stressed the importance of prevention, saying that treating illness after it develops costs more and helps fewer people. He outlined plans to work with councils, the NHS and voluntary organisations to tackle the root causes of poor health.

The speech was welcomed by some local figures, though others said the new powers must come with stable funding to make a real difference. Skaith said he would publish further details in the coming months.