Northern Powerhouse rebounding after the recession

The report the progress of 39 UK cities analysed, based on the public priorities for what has been described as ""good growth"", which includes employment, health and skills. The report which is compiled by PwC and think tank Demos, looked at the �Northern Powerhouse� for the first time, since George Osbourne launched the concept in 2014.

The data shows a slight narrowing of the gap for the first time, with the Northern Powerhouse area benefitting from falling unemployment rates as well as above average ratings for housing affordability and transport.

Jonathan House, PwC�s local government leader in the North, said: ""These results highlight that despite the damage caused by the recession, there have been some clear, positive signs of recovery in the Northern Powerhouse since around 2012, which additional policy initiatives and investment should look to build upon.""

Ian Morrison, PwC�s Yorkshire & North East regional leader, added: ""It is encouraging that the Northern Powerhouse region is rebounding following the severe impact of the recession, but there is still more to do to ensure public priorities are being met when it comes transport, health and jobs. These are all things that will be helped by a greater degree of decentralisation.""