Regional economic inequality in the UK has widened considerably over the past four decades, with former industrial cities in the North West and West Midlands such as Manchester and Birmingham falling behind as London has pulled ahead. Researchers have studied the predicament of ‘left-behind’ places that are struggling economically and socially, and have identified policy recommendations to help the government deliver on its pledge to ‘level up’ economic prosperity.
Added 14 November 2022; updated 3 May 2023.