Despite living in a modern, interconnected world, the north-south divide in England is still a pretty contentious issue.
From disparities in wealth to differences in access to public services, the gap between the two regions isn’t just historical — it’s a current reality. Despite all the debates about “levelling up” and growing economic challenges, here are just some of the reasons why the divide is still so prominent in 2025, and will likely continue to be for years to come.
1. Unequal economic investment
London and the south keep getting the bulk of the investment when it comes to big infrastructure projects. Think about Crossrail — massive focus on the south, while northern projects tend to get delayed or cancelled. Such uneven investment holds back growth in the north and keeps things stuck in place, especially when it comes to transport like HS2.
2. The concentration of high-paying industries
The south, especially London, is where the high-paying industries are. Finance, tech, you name it — it’s all concentrated down there. Cities like Manchester and Leeds are growing, but they still don’t have the same opportunities or pay levels that you get in the south. A lot of skilled workers are still heading south for better opportunities, which only deepens the divide.
3. Housing affordability is still extremely polarised
House prices in London are through the roof, but parts of the north are dealing with undervalued properties and a lack of demand. Or, they’re dealing with southerners coming up and snatching properties up since they’re so cheap in comparison to what they’d get back in the city. The gap here isn’t just about where people can afford to live; it impacts access to things like quality jobs, healthcare, and education. The north struggles to regenerate its housing market, while the south faces a whole other issue of overpricing.
4. Access to transport infrastructure
The south has world-class transport links, while the north is stuck with outdated and unreliable systems. With cuts to northern transport projects, like parts of HS2, it’s clear that the infrastructure imbalance is a huge issue. Poor connectivity stifles opportunities in the north, making it harder to compete with the south’s well-established network. Sure, trains all over the country are an absolute disaster, but you’re more likely to get where you want to go down south.
5. Disparities in public health outcomes
Northern regions have consistently worse health outcomes than the south, with higher rates of chronic illness, lower life expectancy, and poorer access to healthcare. In 2025, things haven’t changed much, and it’s still clear that resources and services aren’t being distributed fairly. Fixing this needs a targeted approach, but progress is slow.
6. Education opportunities are extremely varied
Top schools and universities are mostly found in the south, while the north struggles with underfunded schools and fewer post-16 options. The huge education gap means that social mobility is a lot harder in the north, and it contributes to the cycle of inequality. Despite some government promises, educational investment in the north still lags behind.
7. The cultural narrative of success
London is often portrayed as the centre of opportunity and success, while northern cities struggle to get the recognition they deserve. This narrative pushes talent southward and reinforces the divide. Though northern cities are working to change this perception, the south still dominates in media and culture, which makes it harder for northern cities to build their own cultural identity.
8. Limited access to high-skilled jobs
Although the north is home to brilliantly skilled workers, high-tech and scientific jobs are mostly concentrated in the south. Northern cities are trying to develop their own tech hubs, but they’re still nowhere near the size of what’s in London. If there’s going to be real change, the government and private sectors need to give consistent support to make these opportunities more balanced.
9. Funding for arts and culture
When it comes to arts and culture funding, the south is still getting the lion’s share. While cities like Liverpool and Newcastle have rich cultural histories, they’re often overlooked for investment. The extreme lack of funding stunts the growth of creative industries in the north and limits opportunities for northern communities to thrive culturally.
10. Wage stagnation in the north
Wages in the north are still lower than in the south, and with fewer high-paying jobs available, it’s tough to make ends meet. The cost-of-living crisis and inflation have hit the north harder than the south, which just highlights the economic divide. ONS data analysed by the Northern Powerhouse Partnership found that in 2021, £37,500 was the median salary for Londoners, while Northerners could expect only £29,096 for the same work. That’s a wage disparity of nearly £8,500, which lessens slightly when you widen the scope to the wider South East at £4,900. Closing the wage gap is key to tackling the north-south divide and giving people in the north a fair chance.
11. Decline in traditional northern industries
Many northern areas are still recovering from the decline of industries like coal, steel, and textiles. While there are regeneration projects underway, they often don’t have the scale needed to revive local economies. The ongoing stagnation means that some northern regions are still struggling to adapt to new industries and secure economic growth.
12. Uneven political representation
London’s political dominance often means that northern voices feel underrepresented. There’s been more talk about devolution and northern leaders pushing for greater control over their own budgets and policies, but those calls haven’t been fully answered yet. Until that happens, the divide will remain entrenched in the political system.
13. Rising inequality in rural areas
While northern cities like Manchester and Newcastle are getting more attention, rural areas are being left behind. These smaller towns face fewer job opportunities, poor transport links, and limited access to services. The rural-urban divide in the north adds another layer to the broader inequality between the north and south.
14. The lingering impact of austerity
Years of austerity measures have hit the north the hardest. With cuts to local councils and public services, many northern areas are still feeling the impact in 2025. From underfunded schools to healthcare systems stretched to breaking point, the damage done by austerity needs to be addressed with long-term investment, but that still hasn’t happened in a meaningful way.
