Northern Ireland Posts 4.1% Disposable Income Rise, Fastest of Any UK Region in 2024
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Aug 21
Northern Ireland Posts 4.1% Disposable Income Rise, Fastest of Any UK Region in 2024
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Aug 21
Summary
Real disposable income per person in Northern Ireland rose 4.1% in 2024, the biggest increase of any UK region, according to Office for National Statistics estimates.
That gain was likely driven by inflation-linked rises in benefits, pensions and the minimum wage, with Northern Ireland more exposed because it has relatively high shares of benefit recipients and low-paid workers.
Private-sector real wages also rose in Northern Ireland during 2024, adding to the increase in money available for spending or saving after tax.
£22,258 per head still leaves Northern Ireland below the UK average of £26,490, though ahead of the West Midlands, Yorkshire, Wales and north east England; London topped £36,000.
Within Northern Ireland, Lisburn and Castlereagh had the highest average disposable income at £24,515, while Derry and Strabane had the lowest at £20,375.