A severe numeracy divide has emerged between northern and southern England, with almost nine in ten adults in the North living in areas judged to need the greatest support, a report by National Numeracy has found.
More than 10.6 million adults in northern England – 88 per cent of the population – are in the category identified as having the greatest need. In the South, the equivalent figure is almost four million people, or 17 per cent.
The charity’s analysis of 379 local authority districts across Great Britain found that Hull had the lowest numeracy levels among English cities, followed by Nottingham and Stoke-on-Trent, which shared second place.
Sunderland ranked fourth and Liverpool fifth, while Leicester, Wolverhampton, Doncaster, Manchester and Lincoln completed the top ten.
Northern England bears brunt of numeracy divide
The North East recorded the sharpest regional pattern, with every local authority falling within the half of areas identified as most in need of help.
In the North West, 33 of the region’s 39 local authorities were placed in the same category, covering 84 per cent of its adult population. In Yorkshire and the Humber, 15 of 21 authorities were included, representing 88 per cent of adults.
The contrast with London was marked. Barking and Dagenham was the only borough in the capital to fall into the category, accounting for 2 per cent of London’s adult population.
There were also significant problems across the Midlands, where 79 per cent of adults in the East Midlands and 70 per cent in the West Midlands live in areas identified as needing the greatest support.
Other cities among the 20 worst for numeracy included Bradford, Salford, Wakefield, Newcastle upon Tyne, Preston, Sheffield, Birmingham and Derby.
The findings place Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s Makerfield constituency at 515th out of 650 parliamentary seats, towards the bottom of the national rankings.
National Numeracy said poor maths skills were costing the UK economy an estimated £25 billion a year. Around half of working-age adults are estimated to have the numeracy skills of an 11-year-old, while more than a quarter of pupils leave school without a maths GCSE.
The charity said difficulty with numbers can affect everyday tasks including understanding a payslip, comparing supermarket prices, managing household bills and applying for jobs. More than a third of adults experience anxiety about maths and numbers, it added.
Sam Sims, chief executive of National Numeracy, said: “These figures expose a divide that demands urgent attention. Millions of adults across northern England live in communities where the need for numeracy support is greatest.
“Building people’s confidence and skills with numbers can help attract investment, create jobs and boost earnings and productivity.
“Targeting support where the need is greatest could help drive more equitable regional growth and fuel social mobility.”
Mr Sims added: “Andy Burnham knows the North and the inequalities its communities face. As Prime Minister, he has an opportunity to put everyday maths at the heart of closing that gap.”
National Numeracy is calling for sustained investment in the worst-affected communities, greater powers for local leaders to direct help and closer partnerships between employers, education providers and community groups.
The appeal comes ahead of Number Confidence Week, which begins tomorrow and runs until November 8. Mr Sims said: “Where you live should never determine your opportunity to thrive with numbers.”
