Analysis released by the Treasury suggests that residents in the North of England typically receive approximately £2,000 more per year in government services compared to those in the South. The figures, published this month, aim to counter arguments that the North has historically lost out financially to more affluent areas in the South of England.
The data indicates that the average annual value of public services per head across England is £13,134. However, this national average conceals significant regional variations. Citizens in the South East, for instance, receive an average of £12,031 annually, while those in the South West receive £12,432.
In contrast, per capita spending on public services in the North West averages £13,835, and in the North East, it is even higher at £14,102. These figures encompass a broad spectrum of government expenditures, including health, education, public order, transport, housing, and economic development.
Despite these findings, calls for greater devolution of power and resources to the North persist. Prominent figures have argued that the region has been underserved compared to the South. However, this Treasury analysis suggests the opposite is currently the case.
Greg Smith, the Member of Parliament for Mid Buckinghamshire, stated that the figures undermine the narrative of the North being short-changed. He argued that the current funding system is "entirely unfair" to Southern areas and expressed concern that further resource diversion could exacerbate this imbalance. Smith described the situation as "divisive" and "inaccurate," contending that his constituents are over-taxed to fund services that do not disproportionately benefit their local areas. He cited examples such as deteriorating local road infrastructure, which he believes are not receiving adequate resources for repair compared to other regions.