Nearly third of Oxford households most privileged report says

The social grade is an overall score of households with a 'reference person' aged between 16 and 64 derived from 2021 census data.

It calculates a grade based on household income, economic activity, qualifications, the type and tenure of the household, and many other socio-economic factors.

Census of 2021

Households are put into one of four social grade classifications, and these include AB, C1, C2 and DE.

The highest social grade is AB which includes higher and intermediate managerial occupations whilst the lowest DE includes semi-skilled and unskilled manual occupations and the unemployed.

The latest National Statistics data shows 39,102 of 120,161 applicable households (32.5 per cent) were ranked in the highest band, and this was where the household reference person was in the higher or intermediate occupation.

This was well above the average of 23.3 per cent across England and Wales.

Interim director of the Social Market Foundation, Aveek Bhattacharya, said: "Diagnosing the problem is one thing, but the actual task of rebalancing the economy is much trickier – though devolution of power, investment in key infrastructure and clearer regional industrial strategy could all help."

Oxford city centre (Image: Ed Nix)

Mr Bhattacharya advised the stereotype that the North is “grim” and everybody in South is thriving should be avoided.

In Cherwell, 25.7 per cent of applicable households were ranked in the highest band, while in West Oxfordshire 30.8 per cent were ranked in this social grade.

In South Oxfordshire, 37.6 per cent of applicable households were ranked in the highest band which was the highest in Oxfordshire and was slightly above the Vale of White Horse where 36.5 per cent were in this same top band.

Excluding the City of London, which has a very small population, Richmond in London was the best ranked local authority, with 49.1 per cent of households in the top grade, while Hull in Yorkshire and Humber was the worst at 10.1 per cent.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said it is "absolutely committed to spreading opportunities and improving public services".

A spokespman said: "A major part of 'Levelling Up' is about boosting pay and productivity, especially in places where they are lagging.

"It is not one size fits all – as every corner of the UK has unique challenges and opportunities – nor does it mean dampening down the success of more prosperous areas.

"It is about the success of the whole country and realising the potential of every place and every person across the UK."