New research indicates that the north of England is most susceptible to economic problems, the BBC reports.
The survey, which analyses each local authority area's ability to stand up to cutbacks, found that Middlesbrough on Teeside was the most vulnerable town, with the north east as a whole not faring well.
With the results of the government's spending review due in October and more public sector cuts expected, the north of England is expected to fare worse than other areas.
