Austerity cuts and economic woes are pulling the country’s worst and best performing cities further apart, according to new research. 

Published by the Centre for Cities organisation, the research showed that cities such as Milton Keynes, Edinburgh, and London, with strong private sectors, are well-placed to drive national economic recovery. 

The gap between these stronger cities and those reliant more on public sector jobs – such as Hull, Doncaster, and Newport – has been widening, according to the research. 

Alexandra Jones, chief executive of Centre for Cities, said in a statement: “Some cities are well-placed to kick-start economic growth. However, some cities have been hit particularly hard by recession and the gap between cities is widening. This makes it vital that government policy is tailored to meet the needs of each city rather than one-size-fits-all. What is right for Brighton and Reading will not be right for Dundee and Middlesbrough.

“During 2012 cities should take the lead in shaping their local economies, and the government should give them the financial and political powers they need to make the right decisions for growth.  Where cities face greater social and economic challenges, the government should offer support to help places adapt and respond to a rapidly changing global economy.”

The report said that in February 2008, the gap in the claimant count rate between Hull and Cambridge was 3.2 percentage points. By November 2011 this gap had widened to 6.1 percentage points.

The research shows that more successful cities typically have higher numbers of skilled residents and large numbers of “knowledge workers”. 

Steven Peel, IBM Business Development Executive, said in a statement: “The ‘Smartest Cities’ will be those that have a complete and integrated view of the information associated with city systems such as energy, transport, education and employment – the very foundations needed to stimulate economic development.”

Councillor Peter Box, chair of the LGA’s Economy and Transport Board, said in a statement: “It is vital that local council and business leaders, who understand their cities best, are given the tools they need to deliver growth, create jobs, and start businesses.”