News / Economics
Disposable income rises in Bristol at almost twice national average
In a decade that saw disposable income increase by 2.4 per cent across the UK, it increased almost twice as fast in Bristol.
Our city was the sixth top performer among places which bucked the national trend of slow growth in living standards since 2013.
Bristol’s total disposable income growth from 2013 to 2023 was 4.6 per cent, placing us behind towns and cities higher on the list including Brighton, Barnsley and Warrington, using Office of National Statistics (ONS) data crunched by independent think tank Centre for Cities.
Centre for Cities say that planning reform and devolution are among the key things that are crucial to delivering the economic growth needed to improve living standards.
“It is understandable that the government has shifted its emphasis onto the cost of living in recent weeks, but ultimately it is stronger economic growth that raises household incomes,” said Andrew Carter, chief executive of Centre for Cities.
“Without growth, cost-of-living fixes can only ever be temporary.”
Carter said that in places like Bristol, “economic growth has translated into higher household incomes and less deprivation”.
He added: “That isn’t accidental: it is shaped by policy choices on skills, transport, housing and support for businesses.
“The government’s planning reforms, devolution agenda and Industrial Strategy are crucial for supporting growth in cities and delivering better living standards year after year.”
Main photo: Wiper & True
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