The Department of Health and Social Care announced new health devolution arrangements for Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire, introducing joint NHS and mayoral leadership roles to strengthen local healthcare delivery and prevention efforts.
The UK government has confirmed new health devolution plans for Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire, appointing Integrated Care Board Chairs who will also serve as Mayoral Health Commissioners.
Announced on 25 March 2026, the initiative aims to improve preventative healthcare, strengthen local coordination, and align NHS services with regional priorities. The approach forms part of wider reforms to reduce health inequalities and support more locally responsive care.
Government announces health devolution plans
The government set out new arrangements to transfer elements of health system leadership to regional structures. The trial will focus on Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire as part of wider reform plans.
The approach aims to place more responsibility for health outcomes at a local level, working alongside existing NHS structures and local authorities.
New leadership roles linking NHS and mayors
Under the plans, NHS England will appoint Integrated Care Board Chairs in each region who will also serve as Mayoral Health Commissioners. These roles will report jointly to NHS leadership and elected mayors.
The positions are intended to strengthen coordination between health services, local councils, and community organisations, ensuring decisions reflect local priorities.
- Integrated Care Board Chairs appointed locally
- Dual role as Mayoral Health Commissioners
- Joint accountability to NHS leaders and mayors
- Focus on locally informed decision-making
Focus on prevention and local coordination
The policy places emphasis on preventing illness, supporting earlier intervention, and improving coordination across services. This includes closer working between healthcare providers, councils, and community groups.
The aim is to deliver more responsive services that address the specific needs of local populations.
- Earlier support for communities
- Improved coordination across services
- Stronger links between NHS and councils
- Focus on long-term health outcomes
Core Policy Priorities
| Hospital to community | Shifting care closer to home through more integrated local services |
| Treatment to prevention | Increasing focus on public health and early intervention measures |
| Analogue to digital | Using technology to improve access and delivery of healthcare services |
Supporting the 10 Year Health Plan priorities
The initiative aligns with the government’s wider health strategy, including changes to how care is delivered and coordinated. It supports the transition towards community-based services and preventative care.
These reforms are intended to improve system performance and address variation in health outcomes across regions.
Local leadership perspectives and regional impact
Regional leaders have highlighted the role of local knowledge in shaping health services. The plans are expected to support more joined-up approaches to longstanding challenges in both regions.
The approach builds on existing partnerships between the NHS, local government, and community organisations.
Implementation and Rollout Details
| Regions included | Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire |
| Leadership roles | Integrated Care Board Chairs serving as Health Commissioners |
| Governance structure | Joint reporting to NHS leadership and elected mayors |
| Recruitment status | Greater Manchester role open, South Yorkshire role in development |
Stakeholder Comments
Ministerial Comments
Wes Streeting, Health and Social Care Secretary said;
“Andy Burnham and Oliver Coppard are two Mayors who’ve placed public health at the heart of their agendas. We’re going to put that to the test with two new health devolution deals.”
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester said;
“This is a landmark moment in a decade-long journey of health devolution in Greater Manchester, building on strong partnerships focused on improving health for our residents.”
Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire said;
“Devolution gives us the chance to take control of our future and tackle the health challenges facing communities across South Yorkshire.”
To Sum Up
The introduction of new health devolution arrangements in Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire represents a shift towards locally led healthcare decision-making.
By aligning NHS leadership with elected mayors, the government aims to support preventative care, improve coordination, and address regional inequalities. The trial will test whether this model can deliver more responsive services and improved health outcomes across both regions.
Sources: Department of Health and Social Care and The Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
