the north-south divide

Why is there a north-south divide in the UK?

Economic growth via industry sector was centred in the North, Wales and Scotland, but aggressive deindustrialisation and privatisation meant industry began to decline

• Therefore, there was a lot of unemployment

On the other hand, the service sector grew greatly in the South, and there is uneven investment

What are some things that indicate the divide between the North and South?

South has a higher standard of living, longer life expectancies and higher incomes, less unemployment and students perform better

What is the life expectancy in the North vs South?

North - 78

South - 81

What are the strategies being used to close the gap between the North and South

LEPs, EZs, improving transport, encouraging foreign investment in the North and government schemes

What is an LEP?

Local Enterprise Partnership - partnerships between the local authorities and businesses, helping to support the needs of businesses and invest in them

Lancashire LEP?

Intended to promote new businesses and create 50,000 new jobs in the area by 2023 (this was an overestimate and Lancashire LEP became defunct in 2024)

How many businesses did Humber LEP support? How many jobs were created?

By 2019, supported 13,000 businesses and created 6,000 jobs

How much of the region covered by Humber LEP has broadband?

97%

What is an EZ?

Enterprise Zone - areas that encourage new businesses to establish themselves there, by offering financial incentives (tax breaks, grants for machinery and providing broadband)

How do EZs help to promote economic growth?

Stimulates investment and diversifies the local economy

How many EZs are there? How many are located in the North?

48 nationwide, 25 are in the north

How has there been improvements to transport in the North?

Liverpool 2, proposal for the HS2 and Trans-Pennine express

What is the Northern Powerhouse Strategy?

Policy aimed at boosting economic growth in the North

What things does the Northern Powerhouse Strategy include?

Devolution, improving transport links and encouraging businesses to move to the North

Which businesses have settled in the North?

Channel 4 and the BBC

What is devolution? How does it help growth?

Moving power from the national government to local authorities to make their own decisions for improvements on the area. More money to be sent for funds for development

What is an example of the improving transport links as a result of the Northern Powerhouse? How has it helped?

The Northern Spire Bridge in Sunderland - connects North and South banks of the river. Has helped to regenerate the south bank