NORTH East cities have topped a UK spending power league. Sunderland and Newcastle have been named in the top 50 UK towns and cities with the highest increase in gross disposable household income.

After they’ve covered essentials like taxes, bills, mortgage payment or rent, the average Sunderland household had £12,196 left over in 2009 – the most recent year for which full data could be obtained.

This was 19.15% higher than the £10,236 average disposable income in Sunderland in 2004.

In Newcastle, £13,138 was left over after essential household costs in 2009 – a 17.42% rise from £11,189 in 2004.

The research, which looked at the top 50 UK towns and cities, was carried out by accountancy firm UHY Hacker Young.

Sunderland was ranked as having the 8th highest disposable household income increase. Newcastle was 12th.

Middlesbrough was in 32nd place, with a gross disposable household income of £14,759 – up 14.40% from 2004.

Aberdeen beat London to first place, becoming the city with the highest increase in gross disposable household income over the last five years. Disposable household income jumped 24.7% in Aberdeen from £13,669 in 2004 to £17,039 in 2009.

London came second with a 22% rise from £16,096 in 2004 to £19,658 in 2009.