Health and Equality in the North East

Local authorities have very little actual control over the real key drivers. So, it really is a case of needing national government to consider both health and economic inequalities that are driving the problems. I don't necessarily think we can get back to a position using this Devo solution deal that we were in 2010 and earlier. But what I do see is that this is kind of the only show in town in terms of opportunities to work at a subregional level. The ability for an elected mayor to influence national decision making for the benefit of the area...that's crucial.