Households in Kent have seen their disposable income increase faster than the rest of the UK over the last five years, thanks in part to the regeneration of the Thames Gateway, according to new research.

Spending money in the county increased 10% on average from £16,900 to £18,600 between 2009 and 2013, faster than the rise of 9% across the country, said a study by accountancy group UHY Hacker Young.

The findings claimed cash available after taxes and mortgages or rent grew from £16,100 to £17,600 across the UK, with West Cumbria enjoying the largest increase at 17% and Wandsworth the worst performer, suffering a decline of 1%.

Allan Hickie, partner at UHY Hacker Young in Sittingbourne, said the regeneration of the Thames Gateway had helped drive growth in disposable income in Kent.

In his 2016 Budget speech, the Chancellor George Osborne announced he was asking Lord Heseltine to lead a new Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission.

It will examine how the area can develop, attract and retain skilled workers and will report back in the 2017 autumn statement.

Thames Gateway Kent Partnership chairman Rob Bennett said the appointment was recognition of the “vital importance of the Thames Gateway to the UK’s long-term growth”.

Mr Hickie said: “It is good news that households in Kent have more money in their pockets.

“Regeneration under the Thames Gateway project has led to increased numbers of businesses entering the local area and sustained economic growth.

“It is helping increase the region’s appeal to businesses wanting to escape the high property and wage costs of London.

“Strong growth in the technology sector has helped Kent grow since the recession, but it will take further government commitment to see the region outpacing the national average.”