New research commissioned by the BBC identifies areas across the North West most vulnerable to economic shocks such as business failures and job losses. Some of the most vulnerable areas, least resilient to economic turbulence include Burnley, Liverpool and Cumbria.
The research, conducted by Experian and commissioned by BBC English Regions, comes just weeks before the coalition Government unveils its Comprehensive Spending Review and provides one of the most comprehensive insights into the current state of the English economy.
Assessing the economic resilience of every local authority area in England, the research at each area's ability to withstand and respond to economic shocks such as public sector job losses and business insolvencies.
In order to provide a complete view of local and regional resilience, Experian compiled a national ranking which gathered data across four key themes covering Business, People, Place and the Community.
Burnley ranked bottom in England for place, which is made up of indicators including education, crime and property prices. The Experian research suggests that factors like the high crime rate, the poor school achievement and the low house prices all contribute to Burnley being the least resilient place in England.
Out of the 324 local authorities in England, Liverpool performs very poorly in terms of so-called ‘community resilience’ – with the highest concentration of deprived localities, high claimant count rates and a large proportion of households vulnerable to long-term unemployment. In addition life expectancy for both males and females is among the lowest in the country.
In terms of how resilient businesses are to economic shock, Wigan and St Helen’s rank very low. However others such as Cheshire East perform very well.
The research suggests that rural areas, like Cumbria, are more vulnerable in the respect of ‘people resilience’. Local authorities like South Lakeland have a lower percentage of working age population, there are fewer people employed in managerial jobs, and earnings tend to be lower.
BBC ONE will present 12 major TV debates across England providing analysis of each region’s resilience to economic shock.
Controller of BBC English Regions, David Holdsworth said: “This information provides our audience with an economic MOT, helping them understand how strong their local areas are.
This research and analysis suggests that there are areas much better placed than others to withstand the impact of public sector cuts, and other economic events.
"The study takes into account a wide range of factors to help build a complete picture in advance of the Spending Review in October.
"Tonight’s debates, our local radio phone ins and our BBC local online sites will all be adding to this analysis by looking at some of the options."
The debates will look at the savings announced so far for each region; the economic state of their region; explore the decisions that local councils will be faced with and how those decisions might impact on jobs, services and local businesses.
You can find further information at bbc.co.uk/spendingreview and more information about your region at bbc.co.uk/manchester, bbc.co.uk/lancashire, bbc.co.uk/merseyside, bbc.co.uk/cumbria
Spending Review: The North West Tonight Debate will be shown on BBC ONE, 9th September at 10.35pm (50 mins). BBC Local Radio stations will be debating these findings at from 9.00am on Friday 10th September.
North West Local Authority Rankings for Resilience (out of a total of 324 Local Authorities in England) covering all four themes Business, People, Place and the Community.
318. Barrow-in-Furness (most vulnerable)
314. Burnley
307. Tameside
305. Pendle
303. Blackpool
301. Hyndburn
300. Oldham
299. St. Helens
298. Rochdale
296. Wigan
288. Wirral
287. Liverpool
285. Knowsley
283. Halton
274. Sefton
273. Blackburn with Darwen
272. Bolton
262. Preston
249. Wyre
242. Rossendale
232. Bury
227. Salford
224. Lancaster
217. Manchester
212. West Lancashire
205. South Ribble
174. Chorley
168. Cheshire West and Chester
163. Stockport
161. Warrington
153. Fylde
135. Ribble Valley
90. Cheshire East
81. Trafford (least vulnerable)
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