Question 1: What is 'regional disparity'?

Answer: Differences in economic and social conditions between regions.

Question 2: Define 'deindustrialization' and give an example related to Northern England.

Answer: The decline of manufacturing industries; e.g., closure of coal mines and steelworks in places like Middlesbrough.

Question 3: What does 'GDP per capita' measure in regional studies?

Answer: Average economic output per person in a region.

Question 4: Explain 'regional policy' with an example from UK government initiatives.

Answer: Strategies aimed at reducing inequalities between regions; e.g., the Northern Powerhouse initiative.

Question 5: What is meant by 'urban regeneration'?

Answer: The process of improving urban areas to attract investment and improve living standards.

Question 1: Which region of the UK has the highest average income levels?

Answer: South East

Question 2: Name two cities in the North of England that have historically experienced industrial decline.

Answer: Middlesbrough and Sheffield

Question 3: What economic activity is predominantly associated with London and the South East?

Answer: Financial services

Question 4: Describe one challenge faced by northern regions in terms of economic development.

Answer: High unemployment rates due to deindustrialization and decline of traditional industries.

Question 1: Based on the case study of the UK, identify two impacts of the North-South Divide on local communities in the North.

Answer: Higher unemployment rates and lower average incomes in northern towns; reduced access to services and investment.

Question 2: Explain how the 'Northern Powerhouse' initiative aims to address regional inequalities.

Answer: By investing in transport, infrastructure, and business hubs to promote economic growth and job creation in northern cities.

Question 3: Evaluate the effectiveness of strategies like urban regeneration and government grants in reducing the North-South divide.

Answer: Strategies such as urban regeneration have improved some urban areas, attracting investment and creating jobs; however, disparities persist due to structural economic differences. Government grants have provided short-term relief but have not fully addressed underlying issues like skills gaps and industrial decline. Overall, a combination of policies is needed for sustainable regional development.

Question 1: Explain why deindustrialization has primarily affected northern regions of the UK.

Answer: Deindustrialization affected northern regions due to the decline of traditional manufacturing industries such as coal mining, steel production, and textiles, which were concentrated there. Factors include global competition, technological change, and shifts towards a service-based economy. This led to job losses, economic decline, and increased regional inequalities.

Question 2: Analyse the causes of the economic disparity between London and the North of England.

Answer: Causes include historical industrial decline in the North, lower levels of investment, fewer high-tech industries, and less access to global markets. London benefits from a concentration of financial services, government institutions, and infrastructure, creating a positive feedback loop that attracts more investment and talent.

Question 3: Explain the role of infrastructure development in addressing regional inequalities.

Answer: Improving transport and communication links facilitates economic activity, attracts investment, and improves access to services in lagging regions, thereby reducing disparities and encouraging regional growth.

Question 1: To what extent have government policies like the Northern Powerhouse been successful in reducing regional inequalities in the UK?

Answer: Government policies such as the Northern Powerhouse have aimed to boost economic growth through infrastructure investment, skills development, and business support. While some initiatives have led to improved infrastructure and increased investment in northern cities, disparities still persist due to structural issues like skills gaps and industrial decline. The success is mixed; policies have made progress but have not fully closed the economic gap, indicating a need for ongoing, comprehensive strategies.