This strategic evidence base combines data, research, and local insights to underpin the North East Local Growth Plan, to highlight how we can grow our economy, support our businesses and improve living standards for people across our region.
The Local Growth Plan is a 10-year plan that sets out the vision for the North East so it is known as the home of real opportunity and a region where everyone thrives.
ICON partnered with the Oxford Consultants for Social Inclusion (OCSI) to develop the Hyper-Local Need Measure (HLNM). This new measure provides a snapshot of the condition of different neighbourhoods against five different types of need, each reflecting the main benchmarks of success that sit beneath the government’s five missions: Economic Growth, Oppertunity, Health, Crime and Energy.
We break down the data and explore what this means for the North East's neighbourhoods and how they rank against these benchmarks.
North East emissions more than halved from 2005 to 2023, with the industry sector contributing the largest emissions decrease.
The North East region has the 2nd highest rate of public transport trips per person outside of London, and the highest rate of local bus trips.
As of mid-2024, the North East’s population was about two million residents.
Based on 348 responses gathered in late 2025, this survey reveals a region rich in entrepreneurial ambition but constrained by certain barriers, offering insights that will shape the North East CA’s strategy for a more inclusive and competitive economy.
As part of the Child Poverty Action Plan, eight sets of key measures were agreed to monitor progress.
Find data, commentary, and research on all aspects of the regional economy. Evidence is categorised by theme, and some appears under more than one heading. The hub's Evidence by Theme page includes links to the full set of available theme pages
The resident population of the North East, including age breakdowns.
The health and well-being of the resident population of the North East.
Employment, non-workers and pay - with industry sector and occupation breakdowns.
Education at all levels, adult skills, and training.
Transport trends, patronage and customer satisfaction on public transport, use of cars and private vehicles.