UK regional growth gap to widen as London pulls further ahead

Despite levelling up efforts, EY data found the capital and south-east of England would benefit most from a return to growth

Fewer than 20% of levelling up projects finished in England

Britain's sharp regional divide is on track to deepen with London's economy pulling further ahead despite the government's levelling up promises, according to a report.

Ahead of Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's budget on Wednesday, the accountancy firm EY said it was forecasting stronger economic growth in London and the wider south-east of England than for the rest of the country.