Towns in England are being left behind their neighbouring cities, with many under-performing in terms of health, education and employment, new analysis has revealed.
A new study conducted by think tank Demos found three in five of satellite towns are lagging behind their urban neighbours. Talk of the Town warns of a ‘concerning’ gulf between the socio-economic performance of towns and cities and calls for a more balanced level of regional economic growth.
The study also identified a ‘substantial’ North-South divide in absolute socio-economic performance.
The report’s co-author, Ally Paget, said: ‘The findings of this report suggest that the majority of English satellite towns are eclipsed by their nearest cities in some of the most important respects – such as residents’ health and level of qualifications.
‘It is clear that, for better or worse, England’s towns have different social and economic circumstances from their urban neighbours. If efforts at securing growth are too focused on cities, ignoring what towns need and what they have to offer, there is a very real danger that England’s towns will continue to be left behind.’
