How are the likes of Worthing, Barnsley and Doncaster managing to outstrip Scotland’s major cities?

Now, a whole raft of things play into this but the fact that real-terms disposable income has declined – and in Aberdeen by a staggering 18.8 per cent – simple refinforces what we already knew. Scotland’s economy has to grow, and Scotland’s politicians must be laser-focused on that aim.

The Cities Outlook 2026 report by the Centre for Cities found that had cities in Scotland experienced the same growth in real-terms disposable income as the top performing cities, residents would have pocketed an extra £12,300 per person on average in the ten years to 2023.

Those top performing cities, by the way – Brighton, Worthing, and London, as well as Barnsley, Bristol and Doncaster.

Indeed Scottish cities “trailed the rest of the country, experiencing real-terms declines in living standards since 2013”, the Centre said.

The obvious thing to ask therefore, is why the difference and how much have the policies north of the Border – including higher income tax – impacted the results.

The response from Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes was predictable: “This reflects UK economic policy and the economic damage caused by EU exit. Scotland and its cities remain among the best performing in the UK in terms of inward investment and economic performance, but we need the full levers of independence to ensure we reach our full potential.”

That of course does not address the aforementioned Brighton, Worthing, and London, Barnsley, Bristol and Doncaster.

Andrew Carter, chief executive of Centre for Cities, says today “ultimately it is stronger economic growth that raises household incomes”. “In places like Warrington and Barnsley, economic growth has translated into higher household incomes and less deprivation,” he said. That isn’t accidental – it is shaped by policy choices on skills, transport, housing, and support for businesses.”

In an election year, this research should give much food for thought.