FAMILIES in Northern Ireland had an extra £8 a week in their pockets in April, May and June compared to the same time last year.
The total weekly spend for families peaked at £103, according to Asda’s latest income tracker.
But while improving year-on-year, is still the worst performing region in the UK.
Elsewhere average discretionary income per week stands in stark contrast – at a record £201.
The highest rise went to the east of England, notching up an extra £18 compared to last year. There were double-digit increases in all but two of the 13 regions.
The report shows that growth in the north has slowed drastically compared to last year, from 17.8 per cent to 8.7 per cent.
The slowdown reflects lower rates of pay across the region when compared with other regions of the UK. Almost 10 per cent of Northern Ireland workers in 2014 were employed at or below the minimum wage compared with just over 5 per cent across the UK as a whole.
Centre for Economic and Business Research (CEBR) economist Sam Alderson says the figures are of some support to UK families in uncertain time.
“While the latest data shows a slight slowing in spending power growth, we continue to see a picture of broad increases in discretionary incomes across the country,” he said.
“Consumers have understandably lost some confidence in recent weeks, but the improved finances should provide some support in navigating the uncertain outlook.”
A spokesman for Asda said: “With June’s Income Tracker continuing on the positive incline we have been used to over the last year and a half, it remains to be seen how recent events will affect disposable income in the coming months.”
