Liverpool, the current European capital of culture, has been placed on "red alert" alongside Belfast and Hull, as a think-tank proclaimed them to be the most vulnerable to the effects of recession.
The report, published by research group Centre for Cities, looked at economic, social and environmental aspects of UK cities, and concluded that northern cities are likely to feel the crunch to the greatest degree. On the other hand, Reading, Oxford and Cambridge look set to fare the best.
Liverpool is still statistically the most deprived city in the UK, with lower wages, higher crime and shorter life expectancy. This is despite a massive investment in the city, which has been hailed as a flagship for regeneration. The retail sector alone has received a £1bn cash injection as a direct result of the capital of culture programme.
