Wakefield economy has one of the fastest growing disposable incomes in the UK
Monday, January 26, 2026
Wakefield’s economy has one of the fastest growing disposable incomes amongst the UK’s biggest cities and towns according to a major new national report from the Centre for Cities.
The Cities Outlook 2026 sets out how total disposable income grew by 4.6% in Wakefield between 2013 and 2023. The UK average was 2.4% over the same period. And Wakefield’s economy grew by 23.9% - well ahead of the UK average of 18.4%.
“Wakefield’s economy has some major strengths. With our construction and advanced manufacturing, health and care, transport and logistics, and digital and creative sectors all at the heart of driving growth.
“Our excellent connectivity, relatively affordable property prices, and talented local workforce mean that it’s no surprise we’re performing strongly. I welcome the Centre for Cities report setting out just how much the Wakefield economy has grown over the last decade.
“This is a base from which to build. We know more needs to be done to attract investment into Wakefield. To create an economy where everyone feels the benefit of growth. And for our city to be a place we’re all proud to work, visit, and call home.”
Cllr Denise Jeffery
Leader of Wakefield Council
“We’re already playing a vital part in the West Yorkshire Combined Authority as the best-connected part of West Yorkshire to Leeds city centre and London.
“Put together with our city centre regeneration plans and Economic Growth Plan will take our economy to the next level.
“Setting out an ambitious plan to increase growth and our standard of living. Improving our retail and leisure offer. Delivering more high-quality and affordable housing. And creating more spaces that people want to visit and spend time.
“Now is the time to be even more bold. Setting our city up to capitalise on the opportunities of the economy of the future will attract investment, drive innovation, and spread prosperity even more widely over the next decade and beyond.”
Cllr Jack Hemingway
Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth
To build on this encouraging economic performance, Wakefield is aligning local activity with the national growth priorities set out in the Industrial Strategy. Wakefield’s emerging Growth Plan will keep a sustained focus on what works for the local economy and benefits residents and businesses across the district.
The Centre for Cities report can be found at Cities Outlook 2026 | Centre for Cities