A recent study has highlighted the persistent economic divide between the UK's regions, with the South East emerging as the wealthiest area while the North East struggles to keep up. The findings underscore the challenges of regional inequality in employment, income, and overall prosperity.
The Prosperity Gap: Key Findings
The research reveals:
- The South East tops the rankings for highest gross disposable household income (GDHI) at £27,100 per person
- The North East trails significantly behind with just £20,800 per person
- London shows the strongest growth in GDHI since 2019 at 6.9%
- The West Midlands experienced the slowest growth at just 3.2%
Regional Performance Breakdown
The study provides a detailed look at how different areas compare:
Top Performing Regions
The South East leads with its strong economy and high household incomes, followed closely by London despite its higher cost of living.
Struggling Areas
The North East faces multiple challenges, including lower wages and fewer employment opportunities, contributing to its position at the bottom of the rankings.
What This Means for the UK
These disparities highlight ongoing concerns about:
- The effectiveness of 'levelling up' policies
- Regional investment priorities
- The need for balanced economic growth across the UK
Experts warn that without targeted intervention, these gaps may continue to widen, affecting social mobility and national cohesion.
