New research placed Fareham sixth on a list of UK regions with the largest wage increases.

The study, led by QRFY, used Office for National Statistics data to compare pay changes, including overtime, from every UK authority between 2022 and 2023.

In Fareham, wages went up by 18.82 per cent, from £17.75 to £21.09.

The top five regions were Lichfield, South Staffordshire, Eastbourne, Watford and Kingston upon Thames.

In Lichfield, wages rose 27.39 per cent from £14.97 to £19.07.

South Staffordshire saw an increase of 24.39 per cent, followed by Eastbourne with a 22.72 per cent raise, Watford with 22.55 per cent and Kingston upon Thames with a 20.54 per cent rise.

Marc Porcar, CEO of QRFY, said: "What’s interesting to see is the variety of areas that feature in the top ten, showing that there is year-on-year wage growth in many less built-up areas around the country. Growth in wages outside major cities may lead workers to question whether the pressure of the inner city is worth it, especially with the increased cost of living city life may bring."