North-South 'culture chasm' still looms large, says new report
A £450 million funding gap between the North and London is stifling the region’s cultural potential, according to the latest State of the North report by think tank IPPR North.
The analysis reveals that, under the Arts Council’s current funding round (2023–2025), the North receives £28 per person in arts and culture investment, compared to £57 in London. That’s a shortfall of £450 million.
Although the gap has narrowed since the previous funding period, which saw a £700 million divide, researchers say significant inequalities remain. They argue the power to fund and shape the region’s cultural life should sit with local leaders rather than “unelected quangos” in London.
“Culture is in the North’s DNA, and our talent and creativity is known across the globe,” said Kim McGuinness, North East Mayor and chair of the Great North group of northern leaders.
“Yet too much power is held in London, and by unelected quangos, where decision makers hold the future of Northern arts in their hands.
“It’s little surprise the North has missed out on our fair share of culture investment, which has stifled the potential of our people and place.”
The report paints a wider picture of disadvantage for young people growing up in the North today. It cites that one million children are living in poverty, while access to school libraries, green space, and mental health services lags far behind London and the South.
“The kids aren’t alright,” said IPPR North research fellow Ryan Swift. “Arts and culture shouldn’t be the preserve of people born in the ‘right’ places to the ‘right’ money... There is a clear need now to address the culture and opportunity chasms for the next generation of northerners.”
The report calls for a “better baseline” for young people, including greater investment in community assets like libraries, parks, and public programmes. It also recommends lowering the voting age to 16 to ensure young people have more say in shaping their futures.
Alun Francis, chair of the Social Mobility Commission, welcomed the report’s findings, saying it highlights “the specific challenges faced by many young people in the north of England” and supports “place-based approaches to address local challenges and spread opportunity to all areas of the country.”