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<p>This report reaffirms our finding that disparities in incomes are significant and
persistent, both within and between different parts of the UK. These findings reinforce
the scale of the challenge we face, but also the vital need for levelling up. The
living standards mission sets out government's ambition to narrow the gap in living
standards between different areas of the country.</p><p>The report's use of the ONS's
Gross Disposable Household Income (one of the supporting metrics for the living standards
mission) as a data source adds considerable nuance and detail that provides important
insights for levelling up and avenues for future research. This analysis also shows
the value of improving subnational data to deepen our understanding of the UK's disparities
and how they can be addressed. The Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities
is continuing to work with the ONS and others to improve our subnational data, and
will continue to engage with experts like the Resolution Foundation to build the evidence
base that we need to deliver levelling up.</p><p>Our Levelling Up and Regeneration
Bill will enshrine in law our commitment to report on spatial disparities within the
UK. To do this, we will continue to develop and monitor the suite of metrics we outlined
within the Technical Annex of the Levelling Up White Paper, which will enable us to
evaluate progress and better understand what works to improve outcomes across different
places.</p>
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