According to a new analysis released today, people in the North are spending almost £330 more annually than people in the South as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.
According to the Centre for Cities think tank, people in the North, the Midlands, and Wales are more vulnerable to price increases since their homes are less well-insulated and they rely more on vehicles than on public transportation.
According to its analysis, some residents are paying up to 30% more, and the issue is being exacerbated by weak wage growth.
According to the research, Burnley, in Lancashire, had the highest inflation rate in May (11.5%), followed by Blackpool and Blackburn (11%), and Bradford (10.1%).
With a prevalence of 10.8% in the Midlands, Leicester is among the most hit; in Wales, Swansea has a rate of 10.7%.
Burnley now has an annual inflation rate of over 30% higher than London and Cambridge, which both have annual inflation rates of 8.8% apiece.
The Centre for Cities is urging the government to implement the £20 weekly boost to Universal Credit, increase benefits in step with inflation, and provide homeowners of poorly insulated homes a one-time payment to cope with rising energy costs.
The entire nation has been impacted by the cost-of-living crisis, but our data clearly reveals some areas are being hit far worse than others, according to Centre for Cities Chief Executive Andrew Carter.
Concerningly, the North, Midlands, and Wales are experiencing greater inflation rates that are further straining budgets and leaving their citizens hundreds of pounds worse off.
These differences show how crucial it is now more than ever to level out our cities in order to address spatial inequality and future-proof the economy.
The most vulnerable individuals must immediately receive the assistance they require to survive this disaster.
Ministers must move fast to protect the most impacted communities and make sure they don’t fall farther behind, even while Westminster’s political scenario is uncertain.