The Southern Sub-Region consists of Northamptonshire and the most southerly parts of Leicestershire, which are characterised by a highly diversified industrial and commercial economy. The rapid growth experienced by the area since the 1960s is forecast to continue in the next decade, aided by the advantages of the area's location and robust economy. While these cities are strong drivers of growth, they also have relatively high levels of economic, social and physical deprivation, particularly in the inner city areas. The Peak Sub-Region consists of the Peak District National Park and surrounding areas located in the north west of the region. This National Park is the most visited in the UK due to its attractive rural landscape and proximity to major urban areas.
Rural deprivation is a problem due to declining employment in local hill farming and quarrying.
The Northern Coalfields Sub-Region is a priority for regeneration due to having been severely affected by industrial decline, particularly in coal mining, which has lost some 55,000 jobs since 1981, and also textiles and engineering. The effects of colliery closures include environmental degradation, poor employment prospects, and an out-migration of skilled workers. The Eastern Sub-Region, consisting of Lincolnshire, Rutland and the eastern parts of Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, is predominantly rural with a traditional settlement pattern of dispersed market towns.