THERE was more evidence last night of the growing economic gap between the North-East and the more prosperous South.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that the region has the lowest Growth Value Added (GVA) in the country. GVA is a measure of economic output across the economy but, unlike Gross Domestic Product, excludes taxes on production.
The figures for 2001 showed that the average GVA per head in the North-East was £11,000, compared to £19,500 in London.
Only London, the South-East and the East of England - the "golden triangle" - had GVA above the national average of £14,500. In the five years before 2001, the regional share of GVA rose in those areas, but fell in the North-East.
Brian Hall, of the campaign for a North-East Assembly, said: "These figures underline the real and growing gap, in particular between the North-East and the rest of the UK.
"This Government has rightly set a target for reducing regional economic disparities and we need to decide our own priorities."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article