Is the North-South divide growing bigger? Take our poll

25 May 2023 , 14:00

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Many believe the disparity between the North and the South in the UK is getting worse. (Image: Getty Images)

The North-South divide has long split the UK in two - with many believing the gap is widening even further.

Despite the now four years of 'levelling up' promises made by the government, the inequality between our regions still very much exists. The Tories' pledge to equally spread power and wealth across the country was a key part of their post-Brexit vision in the 2019 General Election, and will doubtless be a high priority for many voters at the next, particularly those in 'red wall' marginal seats.

The Levelling Up White Paper - a flagship document that set out how opportunity will be spread more equally across the UK - promised huge changes for people who lived in less wealthy places. It covered a vast range of policy areas, including transport, health, skills, employment, culture and local governance.

But have YOU seen any changes where you live?

Attempts to make the UK a more 'level playing field' have been rumbling on for decades now, with both our government and the EU trying to reduce the divide by investing in the north. Less prosperous places have been assigned 'assisted area status', with new businesses there able to receive financial help.

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There's also regional aid through The Regional Growth Fund (England), Regional Selective Assistance (Scotland), The Welsh Government Business Finance (Wales) and Selective Financial Assistance (Northern Ireland).

Other strategies include:

• The launch of the Northern Powerhouse idea to inspire industrial development in northern cities such as Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield.
• Enterprise Zones
• Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs)
• Planned transport improvements such as HS2 - Britain's new high speed rail line from London to the North-West
• Government incentive packages to attract businesses with a global reach

But have YOU seen any difference so far?

It is now 2023 and after decades of lip service, people living in the north STILL tend to have a lower life expectancy, lesser income and a poorer standard of living than their counterparts in the south-east, according to figures.

If you can't see the poll, click here

A gap long in the making

One of the main driving factors of the north-south divide has been de-industrialisation, with the widespread loss of manufacturing industries traditionally being located in the north.

As the northern economy declined, the south-east became increasingly prosperous in response to the growth of the financial and service sector and the dominance of London. This growth in incomes led to increased house prices in the south-east.

Is the North/South divide growing bigger despite 'levelling up'? Take our poll and have your say

Paul Speed