Regional Differences in the UK
Geography: AQA GCSE, topic 5.2.7
Resolving Regional Differences in the UK
The UK government has been taking the following steps to try to reduce the north-south divide:
The devolution of power
- Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales all have governments, which can decide on certain policies, like taxes in their countries.
- Wales and Scotland each have their own educational requirements and curricula. Scottish students study Nationals and Highers instead of GCSEs and A Levels.
Creating enterprise zones
- There are 44 enterprise zones in the UK. These are at places like Blackpool Airport, Cheshire Science Corridor, Luton Airport, and Didcot Growth Accelerator.
- Businesses who set up in enterprise zones get lower 'business rates' and tax relief on investments.
The Northern Powerhouse
- The Northern Powerhouse was a plan to create a 'London of the North'.
- However, not much action has been taken. Rail links between northern cities happen at the end of HS2, which is likely to finish between 2035 and 2055.
- This is not a credible plan to revitalise the North in the short-term.
Test yourself on Regional Differences in the UK
What benefits do businesses receive for locating themselves in enterprise zones?
How many enterprise zones are there in the UK as of 2018?
What is Northern Powerhouse?