A new report has laid bare the shocking disadvantages suffered by people in the North East.
New research has revealed a stark postcode lottery with regards to our life chances, in everything from education and health, to employment and living standards.
The report 'Is England Fairer?' is from the Equality and Human Rights Commission, and was shared exclusively with ChronicleLive's Data Unit.
It shows that those living in the North East are particularly badly off, while those in the South East have the best life chances in the country - even out-performing London.
You can explore some of the key figures from the report using our interactive below:
The report finds that the unemployment rate in the North East (7.1%) is now nearly twice as high as it is in the South East (3.8%).
Nearly a third of workers in the North East are in low-paid occupations (31%) compared to just a quarter of those in the South East (25%).
And people in the South East earn £2.19p more an hour on average than they do in the North East - with median hourly earnings of £12.65p compared to £10.46p.
As a result, 34% of all children in the North East are currently living in poverty, compared to just 24% of children in the South East.
A quarter of adults in the North East (25%) also experience severe material deprivation, compared to one in every six in the South East (16%).
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Meanwhile, one in every three adults in the North East report poor health (33%), compared to a fifth of those in the South East (21%).
People in the North West and the West Midlands are also often far worse off than those living in the rest of the country.
And while London beat the South East in some areas, such as earnings, the capital also has the highest proportion of people working in insecure jobs, and particularly high levels of poverty.
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The report compared 29 different data sets to put together a ranking of inequality.
Caroline Waters, deputy chair of the EHRC, said: “Where you grow up should not determine your outcome in life.
“We are living in an increasingly divided society where opportunities in London and the South-East are vastly greater than in the North East, North West and West Midlands.
“As the country grapples with Brexit, it’s more important than ever that we address the fractures in our society and ensure opportunities are shared fairly across the country.
“We’re seeing an increasing push to devolve power and build better infrastructure outside London. Local Mayors, councils, charities and businesses are uniquely placed to ensure that this is fair growth and doesn’t leave anyone behind.
“Equality across England isn’t out of reach but different regions must work with and not against each other.
“Organisations in all areas of England have something to share and by combining their experience and expertise, we have a much better chance of improving life outcomes for everyone, no matter where they live.”
Shadow Cabinet Office minister Jon Trickett said: "This report lays bare the striking regional inequality that divides England, but which all-too-often gets left out of the national conversation.
“For generations the North of England has been held back by Tory elites that have failed to invest, that have made decisions in the interest of the wealthy and powerful, and that have bodged regional devolution."
A Government spokesperson said: “Creating opportunity across the UK will always be our priority, which is why we are investing £72m over three years to deliver better educational outcomes and life chances in some of the most deprived areas.
“We have also committed over £5 billion through devolution and growth deals, helping further empower local people to make the key decisions that affect their lives.”
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