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It has long been recognised that there is a north/south divide in the UK.

What is the divide?

As many businesses choose to set up in the south of England, this creates a wealth divide. Those living in the north of the country experience lower incomes, higher unemployment and a lower standard of living than those living in the south.

The Centre for Cities is a charity that measures economic growth and change in 64 UK cities. In 2015, it found that for every 12 jobs created since 2004 in southern cities, only one was created in cities elsewhere. Cities like London and Milton Keynes in the south have seen a large growth in the number of jobs available, whilst Blackpool and Hull in the north have seen a large decline.

Strategies to resolve regional differences

Resolving regional differences is a difficult task. The government have agreed devolution measures, which gives additional power and money to councils in the north. An example is the election of the Mayor for Greater Manchester, who has been given £1 billion of devolved funds to spend on improving the city and attracting new businesses. This will mean that fewer decisions about the city are made in London and more decisions are made by the people of Manchester. Other local councils are demanding the same control.

Some people believe that professional jobs need to be created in the north. The popularity of universities such as Manchester and Leeds have encouraged professionals to settle in the north. The relocation of some businesses and organisations can also help. For example, the ����ý moved many of its offices to the newly built MediaCityUK in Salford in 2011. Since then, the multiplier effect has led to other companies locating close by, eg the Holiday Inn.