Is there still a North-South Divide?

With a growing appreciation for each other’s culture, is the North-South divide still a thing? We spoken with locals to find out.

Transcript

00:00England is a nation of contrasts, from the vibrant streets of London to the tranquil beauty of the

00:05North-East. The North-South divide has been a long topic of discussion, but in 2025 is this divide

00:11still as pronounced, or are perceptions changing? Despite efforts to level up, the region's stark

00:17disparities persist. Government data from 2024 shows that London and its southern counterparts

00:24had the highest weekly pay, with Londoners earning £853 and those outside of the city

00:29earning roughly £750, whereas the North-East earning an average of just £666 a week.

00:36While of course it's important to note the cost of living is significantly higher,

00:40the North-East still earns less than anywhere else in the country,

00:44with Yorkshire and Northern Ireland only just earning slightly more.

00:48The concentration of tech, finance and service industries in the South has meant more high-paying

00:53jobs, while many in the North-East still face fewer opportunities in these sectors.

00:59The health divide pains an equally stark picture. Women in the North-East live on average to 81 years old,

01:05which is two years less than those in the South-West, while life expectancy reaches 83.

01:11The region also reports higher rates of chronic illness and poorer access to health services.

01:16While economic and health disparities remain, cultural perceptions are evolving. A recent survey by rail

01:23operator Alumo reveals that 96 percent of people enjoying visiting regions across the divide,

01:28and 61 percent would consider relocating.

01:31Southerners visiting the North-East often cite the lower costs, the scenic lake district and traditional

01:37country clubs as highlights. Interestingly, 12 percent of them believe Apga Sean Bean should be considered

01:43a Northern treasure. Conversely, Northerners appreciate the Southern sun, London's West End theatres,

01:50higher wages and the iconic Cornish pasty. Travel between the North and South is also on the rise.

01:56Two-thirds of respondents in the Lumo survey enjoy watching the changing scenery during their journeys,

02:02with many opting for train travel to bridge the divide. But what do some of you think? I spoke with

02:07people in Durham to find out whether they think that the North-South divide is no longer relevant

02:12in today's culture. Yeah, I think massively. I'm from Manchester, which up here they might not say

02:18I'm Northern, but you know, I definitely feel like I am. I just feel we're a lot nicer, we're better,

02:23we're funnier. But they sort of look down on us and sort of patronise us in a way. And a lot of some

02:29people I meet, they're just quite rude and quite snarky. Whereas most of the people, Northern people,

02:33people you'll meet, you know, they're very nice, very friendly. So I would say it's still there.

02:38I don't think the government could give a two cares out of here. The more focused on London,

02:43it would have been like a higher income, like capital. Yeah, you get more people down in London

02:50and everything more than you do up here. So the government's mainly focusing on like the South,

02:56because that's where most people go to visit landmarks.