Cost Of Living Crisis Set To Widen North And South Gap

Former red wall constituencies make up the majority of areas to be hit hardest

- Colin Drury

The economic chasm between the north and south of England is set to widen as a result of the cost of living crisis, new research suggests. Of the 31 areas across the country most vulnerable to soaring fuel, food and energy prices, 19 are in the north and another eight are in the Midlands, according to analysis compiled by the Centre for Progressive Policy. The remaining four are in London.

People living in Middlesbrough, Hull and Blackburn with Darwen will be hit hardest by skyrocketing costs in the coming months, the economic think tank predicts. Burnley, Sandwell in the West Midlands and Hyndburn in Lancashire make up the rest of the top six places likely to be worst affected.