Why London’s not such a capital place to live

The article (Big regional gaps revealed in disposable incomes across UK, 23 May) is very misleading. It makes no allowances for the increased housing costs most Londoners face.

In February 2019, Londoners spent the biggest proportion of their income on rent as compared to other areas of the UK; more than one third of a household’s income. The average monthly rental was £1,599 as compared to a £940 UK average. Over a year, this amounts to £7,908 extra housing costs: which pretty much wipes out the “extra money” that Londoners have to spend post-tax as compared to the UK average. This data is from statistica.com.

Yes, there are shocking inequalities in this country. But please can Guardian journalists focus on where there are real stories, rather than using partial pictures. An analysis of surplus income once housing and commuting costs are taken into account would be far more insightful.
Maggie Kemmner
London

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