Yorkshire Cancer Research has said the Prime Minister’s proposal for a “No. 10 North” presents a chance to tackle persistent regional inequalities in cancer outcomes, warning that where people live still influences their chances of getting cancer and surviving it.
Devolving decisions to better reflect regional need
Dr Kathryn Scott, chief executive of Yorkshire Cancer Research, argued that shifting some power away from London could ensure that choices about research investment, healthcare infrastructure and workforce planning are taken with a fuller understanding of local communities. The charity said this change could be “transformational” but added that any move must ensure Yorkshire’s voice is heard alongside those of other regions.
Charity’s work and evidence
Yorkshire Cancer Research emphasised it is not new to campaigning on regional disparities. The organisation is currently funding £75m of research intended to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment across Yorkshire, with a focus on ensuring benefits are available to people regardless of where they live.
“In short, a person’s postcode can determine their likelihood of surviving cancer.”
The charity pointed to the Leeds Lung Health Check, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research, as an example of regional investment producing evidence that informed national policy. Work from that programme contributed to the National Screening Committee's recommendation for an NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme, illustrating how research in one region can have wider national impact.
What supporters say and what must follow
Dr Scott welcomed the proposal but stressed the need for meaningful regional representation rather than a simple relocation of government functions. The charity underlined that successful devolution for health would require ensuring that decisions on research funding, infrastructure and staffing reflect the specific needs and disparities of each region.
- Organisation: Yorkshire Cancer Research is funding £75m in research across the region.
- Policy link: Evidence from the Leeds Lung Health Check influenced a national screening recommendation.
- Proposal: ‘No. 10 North’ aims to shift decision-making out of London to better reflect regional needs.
Implications for national health policy
The argument put forward by the charity ties into wider debates on how to reduce health inequalities across the UK. If regional decision-making leads to different priorities for research investment and service provision, it could change how prevention and early diagnosis programmes are targeted. At the same time, the charity’s position highlights that relocation alone will not automatically resolve disparities: the quality of engagement with local communities and alignment of investment with evidence will be critical.
| Item | Relevance |
|---|---|
| £75m research funding | Supports regional projects aimed at improving outcomes across Yorkshire |
| Leeds Lung Health Check | Provided evidence cited by the National Screening Committee for a lung screening programme |
The charity has long campaigned to make sure the specific needs of people across Yorkshire are recognised by decision-makers. Its public stance on the proposal adds a health-sector voice to the ongoing discussion about how best to structure government to reduce regional inequalities in care and outcomes.
This piece is based on a published column by the chief executive of Yorkshire Cancer Research explaining the charity’s view on regional inequalities and the proposed creation of a ‘No. 10 North’.
