The UK’s most deprived regions received the least amount of public spending over the last two decades

A report by Onward has found “dramatic” differences in spending to the advantage of London in recent years — in terms of transport, innovation, housing and culture.

Shocking economic divide between London and rest of UK exposed.

Research released by Onward demonstrates how much accumulated decision-making the Chancellor will need to unwind if wants to make a dent on regional imbalances, writes James Blagden.

Onward's report 'Levelling up' highlights the extent to which government R&D spending varies across the country, and how changing this will benefit the economy overall.

Analysis of transport, science, housing and culture investment under successive governments showed spending to boost productivity levels is lower in less productive regions. In contrast, spending on this crucial infrastructure is higher in regions that are already more productive, research by the Onward think tank found.

The Treasury should stop directing so much money towards rich and productive London if it is serious about the “levelling up agenda” that Boris Johnson hopes will help him retain red wall seats, according to a report by centre-right thinktank Onward.

London and the South East get more per head in taxpayer cash for transport, housing, innovation and culture, says Onward, a Conservative-leaning think tank, in a report that paves the way for changes to Treasury rules.

In a well-timed pre-budget report intervention this week, a report from the centre right thinktank Onward proposes a series of areas and goals on which Mr Sunak could concentrate.