N early half of England's population now live in a region with a directly elected mayor. This decentralisation and empowerment of metro mayors is framed by government as key to achieving the economic growth mission. But this growth won't be achieved without a focus on making progress on the Government's other priorities, particularly the health and opportunity missions.

Good health is an asset essential for a thriving community and local economy. Yet we know that ill health is acting as a brake on economic growth. A record four million people are out of the labour market due to a work-limiting condition, with 2.6m citing long-term sickness or disability as their main reason for being out of the workforce. This has significant impacts for individuals, employers and the wider economy and requires a real focus to reduce deepening existing inequalities still further.