THE NHS is the most important political issue to people in the North-East, according to a new poll.

Research commissioned by the pro-devolution campaign North East Says Yes! found the NHS topped the region’s priorities, ahead of the economy in second and education in third.

If the North-East devolution agreement is approved, there will be a Commission for Health and Social Care Integration.

A directly elected regional mayor would also have powers over skills, transport, housing and planning, plus a £30m-a-year investment fund.

The polling found most people believe enough or more than enough houses are being built in the region, with fewer than 30 per cent saying they would support a North-East mayor using their powers to release more land for housing.

Jeremy Middleton, a leading Conservative and founder of North East Says Yes!, said: “The people have made it clear that healthcare is the top priority; so the Commission for Health and Social Care Integration is going to be an important issue in the mayoral election.

“The economy was also show to be very important too, meaning the success of North-East devolution may well be judged on how well the mayor and combined authority use the raft of new financial powers available to them. The new investment fund could also be game changing when it comes to tackling unemployment.”

Dipsticks Research questioned 504 people across County Durham, Tyne and Wear and Northumberland between December 14 and 21.

The deadline for County Durham residents to return their devolution questionnaires to Durham County Council is 5pm on Monday (February 8). For further details, visit durham.gov.uk/consultation

Final decisions on whether to accept the Government's offer will be reached in the coming weeks.