Britain was once the workshop of the world, and led the way in the Industrial Revolution.

Yet its domination of global trade did not last, as other countries caught up, technology changed and Britain’s empire and rivals kicked off their shackles.

UK PLC has carved out many new niches, but industrial and maritime decline cast a long shadow.

Much of the north and midlands never recovered, their woes exacerbated by government cuts. Official stats reveal this countdown of the 30 most deprived towns and cities today.

England’s 30 poorest towns and cities revealed