A recent analysis of government spending reveals significant regional disparities in public service funding across England, with the North receiving substantially more per capita than the South. According to figures released this month by the Treasury, the average value of public services provided per person in England is £13,134 annually. However, this figure obscures a marked variation between regions.

In the North East, public expenditure averages £14,102 per head, while in the North West it is £13,835. These amounts are notably higher than those seen in southern regions, such as the South West, where the average is £12,432 per person, and the South East, which receives £12,031 per capita. The funding covers a broad range of government services, including health, education, public order, transport, housing, and economic development.

The findings come in the context of ongoing debates over regional inequalities. Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has been an advocate for increasing devolved power and resources to the North of England, highlighting a historical perception that northern areas have been underfunded compared to wealthier southern regions. However, the Treasury data challenges this view by showing that northern regions already receive more public spending per person than many parts of the South.

The spending figures have been met with mixed reactions. Greg Smith, the Conservative Member of Parliament for Mid Buckinghamshire in the South, criticized the current funding structure as unfair to southern constituencies. He argued that taxpayers in areas like his are disproportionately financing national taxes without receiving proportional investment in local services. Smith highlighted concerns over infrastructure shortcomings, citing deteriorating roads in Buckinghamshire that have not been adequately addressed due to insufficient local funding. He warned that further reallocations favoring the North could deepen divisions rather than promote fairness.

The debate reflects broader tensions in England’s ongoing discussions about regional funding equity and government priorities. While some see the Treasury figures as evidence that the North is already well-supported, others emphasize the need to reconsider funding allocations to ensure all regions receive appropriate and effective investment. The government’s approach to these disparities remains a key issue in domestic policy discussions moving forward.