The call comes during the charity’s campaign, Number Confidence Week, taking place from 2–8 November 2026. This year’s theme, “Nurturing Number-Confident Communities”, highlights the role communities can play in helping people build confidence with everyday maths and access new opportunities.
Figures from the UK Numeracy Index show that every local authority in the North East falls within the half identified as having the greatest need for numeracy support. Together, these areas are home to more than two million adults.
Across the North West, 33 of 39 local authorities fall into this category, covering 84% of the region’s adult population. In Yorkshire and the Humber, 15 of 21 local authorities qualify, accounting for 88% of adults.
In London, just one of 33 local authorities falls into the same category, representing 2% of its adult population. The equivalent population figure for the South East is 14%.
Together, more than 10.6 million adults across the North East, North West, and Yorkshire and the Humber live in local authorities identified as having the greatest need.
The city analysis brings the divide into sharper focus: 11 of the 20 English cities identified as most likely to have low adult numeracy levels are in northern England, representing 55%.
Several northern cities feature among the areas with the greatest numeracy need in England. Hull tops the UK Numeracy Index with a score of 100, followed by Sunderland at 98 and Liverpool at 97. Doncaster and Manchester both score 94, while Bradford, Salford, Wakefield, Newcastle upon Tyne, Preston and Sheffield also feature in the top 20. Higher scores indicate a greater likelihood of low numeracy levels among adults.
With Andy Burnham establishing Number 10 North, the charity is asking whether a Prime Minister with deep northern roots can finally deliver the attention and action needed to tackle this divide.
From understanding a payslip and comparing prices to managing bills and applying for work, confidence with numbers helps people navigate daily life. Without it, decisions can feel overwhelming and opportunities can feel out of reach.
Sam Sims, Chief Executive of National Numeracy, said:
"These figures expose a divide that demands urgent attention. Millions of adults across northern England live in communities where the need for numeracy support is greatest.
"Building people’s confidence and skills with numbers can help attract investment, create jobs and boost earnings and productivity. Targeting support where the need is greatest could help drive more equitable regional growth and fuel social mobility.
"Andy Burnham knows the North and the inequalities its communities face. As Prime Minister, he has an opportunity to put everyday maths at the heart of closing that gap.
"This Number Confidence Week, we’re highlighting how communities can help people take that first step. Where you live should never determine your opportunity to thrive with numbers."
The findings also highlight substantial need across the Midlands. In the East Midlands, 29 of 40 local authorities fall into the greatest-need category, covering 79% of the region’s adult population. In the West Midlands, 18 of 30 local authorities qualify, covering 70% of adults.
Nottingham, Stoke-on-Trent, Leicester, Wolverhampton, Lincoln, Birmingham and Derby also rank among the 20 English cities where adults are most likely to have low numeracy levels.
National Numeracy is calling for sustained investment in communities with the greatest need, greater flexibility for local leaders to target support, and partnerships that bring together employers, education providers and community organisations.
To find out more and get involved, visit www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/numberconfidenceweek
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Notes to editors:
- Number Confidence Week from 2nd – 8th November 2026 is the UK’s only campaign dedicated to number confidence. It aims to inspire and empower people to build number confidence, leading to stronger numeracy skills that unlock new opportunities. The campaign is run by independent charity National Numeracy. Visit: www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/numberconfidenceweek
- This release focuses on England. Population figures cover adults aged 18 and over.
The UK Numeracy Index - National Numeracy and data company Experian have combined knowledge and datasets to build the UK Numeracy Index: the first ever model to predict and rank areas of the UK by numeracy skills and confidence. The Index reveals new insights into numeracy across wards, local authorities, and regions. Policymakers, organisations, and local communities can use this unique and valuable data to focus efforts on improving numeracy and boosting social mobility. Rankings are based on modelled estimates of numeracy confidence and skills. The UK Numeracy Index ranks all 650 constituencies and 8,390 wards in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
- About National Numeracy: National Numeracy is a charity dedicated to helping people feel confident with numbers and using everyday maths. We empower people to thrive by using numeracy to open up opportunities and access brighter futures, targeting communities where the need is greatest. National Numeracy is a registered company (company no: 7886294) and charity (charity no: 1145669). Visit: www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk
- Media enquiries: Please get in touch with Head of Comms, Cass Lawrence by emailing: cass.lawrence@nationalnumeracy.org.uk or calling 07852 117 650. For more information, including key facts and figures, spokespeople, examples of case studies and ambassador information, visit our Media Centre.
Photo credit: By House of Commons - https://members.parliament.uk/member/1427/portrait, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=195716895
