The latest report by the think tank Centre for Cities has unveiled the UK towns and cities that have experienced the fastest growth in disposable income. Living standards in the top-performing 11 places surged by 5.2% since 2013, surpassing the national average of 2.4%.
Leading the pack is Brighton with an impressive 8.1% rise in disposable income, closely followed by Worthing at 7.8% and London at 5.8%. These cities and towns collectively saw a substantial 27% economic growth between 2013 and 2023, compared to the national average of 18.4%, resulting in a 5.2% increase in real-terms disposable income.
If all 63 major cities and towns in the UK had matched the growth rates of the top performers since 2013, residents would have enjoyed an additional average of £3,200 in disposable income over the period. Conversely, in Cambridge, where disposable incomes declined by 3% in real terms since 2013, residents would have gained an extra £10,900 had the city kept pace with the top performers.
Residents of Wigan, experiencing a 1.6% decrease in real-terms disposable incomes since 2013, would have seen an additional £7,200 if they had matched the growth seen in top-performing places.
Andrew Carter, CEO of Centre for Cities, emphasized the importance of economic growth in boosting household incomes over short-term cost-of-living fixes. He highlighted the need for policies focusing on skills, transportation, housing, and business support to drive economic growth and improve living standards.
Carter also stressed the significance of government planning reforms, devolution initiatives, and the Industrial Strategy in fostering growth in cities and enhancing living standards consistently. He called for creating more jobs in sectors like life sciences, digital technology, and AI to support urban economies and benefit workers across various industries.
Looking ahead, Carter echoed the Prime Minister’s vision for 2026, emphasizing the need for politics to drive job creation, wage growth, and economic development across the country, ultimately enhancing the well-being of communities nationwide.
