Never had it so good?
Ten years with Tony Blair as Prime Minister have seen substantial economic growth in the North East - but the UK's most propserous regions have grown faster in that time, leaving us worse of in relative terms.
Incomes in the North East have increased over the last ten years – but incomes in the UK as a whole have grown significantly faster. The gap has therefore widened.
Life expectancy in the region has stayed well below the national average and overall the gap has not narrowed.
These are just a few of the summary findings from a new study published just days before the Prime Minister's resignation speech which assesses how the North East of England has changed over the last ten years. The research has been undertaken by Professor Fred Robinson of St Chad’s College, Durham University, and a member of our Durahm church, with Ian Zass-Ogilvie, former Chief Officer of the Churches Regional Commission, and Michael Jackson. Supported by the Millfield House Foundation, the report aims to provide the basis for informed debate about the region and its future development.
Running to a total of 77 pages, and drawing on consultations with a large number of people active within the region and expert in their own fields, the report falls under eight main headings -
The North East Economy: Post-industrial revival
Employment, Unemployment and ‘Worklessness’
Income and Expenditure: Getting and Spending
Health: Life and Death in the North East
Education, Education, Education
Crime and Community Safety
A Green and Pleasant Land?
People, Places and Communities
This significant piece of work may be downloaded from the link below, or may be obtained from St Chad's College (0191 334 3361).
Download the Report (1.77 Mb)