Sussex Beats London: Top UK Spots for Disposable Income Revealed
The latest report by the Centre for Cities highlights the disposable income growth in various UK cities, with a focus on Sussex. Brighton and Worthing have emerged as top performers in the economic landscape, with significant growth in disposable incomes and overall economic development over the past decade.
Top UK Spots for Disposable Income Revealed
Brighton: Leading the Pack
Brighton stands out as the top city, showcasing an impressive disposable income growth of 8.1% from 2013 to 2023. Economic growth during the same period reached 38.3%. These statistics underscore Brighton’s robust economic environment and potential for future expansion.
Worthing: A Close Contender
Worthing follows closely behind Brighton, achieving a 7.8% increase in disposable income. Its economic growth for the period was recorded at 29.4%. This recognition positions Worthing as one of the leading performers in the UK.
Comparison with London and Other Cities
London placed third in the rankings. Other notable mentions include Barnsley, Warrington, and Bristol. Collectively, the top-performing cities experienced an economic growth of 27% compared to a national average of 18.4%.
Economic Overview and Future Expectations
According to the report, the group of cities with the highest growth delivered a 5.2% increase in real-terms disposable incomes. In comparison, cities in the Greater South East, which includes London, saw a smaller average growth of 2.3% in disposable incomes.
Impact of Growth on Households
The findings suggest that if all cities in the Greater South East had matched the growth rates of the top performers, residents would have benefited from an additional £1,300 per person. This underscores the importance of targeted economic policies.
Thoughts from Leaders
Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton and Hove Council, emphasized the report’s value in shaping future plans. She noted the need for investment in skills, housing, and infrastructure to ensure inclusive growth and to combat inequality.
Moving Forward
Andrew Carter, the Chief Executive of Centre for Cities, highlighted that sustainable economic growth is crucial for raising household incomes. He pointed out that the government’s policies on skills, transportation, and housing play a significant role in shaping the economic landscape of cities.
As the country moves towards 2026, there is a collective hope for increased job creation, higher wages, and enhanced local growth across various regions.
